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2026 Benefits

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Last updated date: 11/20/2025

Review this page to learn about Novant Health's 2026 benefit offerings, effective January 1, 2026.

Benefits Highlights

As part of our strategy to provide comprehensive, competitive and financially responsible benefits, we regularly examine our benefits programs and consider changes that could better support you and your family across the entire spectrum of well-being. Here are the changes we’ll introduce effective January 1, 2026.

Introducing Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and Capital Rx

At Novant Health, we are dedicated to providing benefits that support your well-being and ensure access to care when you need it. Starting January 1, 2026, all medical plans will transition to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), and pharmacy plans will move to Capital Rx. Importantly, there will be no changes to the plan designs. Novant Health is providing Transition of Care to support you through this process.

Through our partnership with Blue Cross NC, we're excited to offer several key benefits:

  • All team members, enrolled in a Novant Health medical plan will have access to the Blue Options® PPO network — Emergency Department provider claims will align to the lowest cost tier within the plan you elect.
  • Out-of-Area medical plan eligibility will now be based on team member residential location, not their business unit, allowing for greater access to care.
  • The fertility lifetime maximum benefit will increase to $30,000 — including an increase in the lifetime medical limit to $20,000 and maintains the $10,000 lifetime pharmacy limit.
  • Team members enrolled in the Blue Premium plan will be eligible for base health reimbursement account dollars and all incentives will be earned in the Novant Health well-being portal.

View the medical plan comparison chart to see how the plans differ and make an informed, confident choice for 2026.

Introducing the tobacco surcharge

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote a healthier lifestyle, we are introducing a new tobacco surcharge. Beginning January 1, 2026, a surcharge of $45 per pay period will be applied to team members and/or spouses who are enrolled in a Novant Health medical plan and use any form of tobacco products. This includes cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, vapes and other tobacco or nicotine delivery devices.

Introducing The Hartford, our new supplemental health benefit administrator

We are introducing The Hartford as our new administrator for Accident Insurance, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity plans.

  • The new accident plan offers higher benefit limits for hospital confinement, ambulance services and physician visits.
  • Additional diagnoses will be covered at 100% in the critical illness policy.
  • There are no changes in premium costs for Accident Insurance, Critical Illness or the Hospital Indemnity plan.

New! Dental Plan Option

To support your oral health, we're pleased to offer a new dental plan provided by Cigna. This plan offers a lower-cost alternative to our comprehensive dental options, making it easier for you to select the plan that best fits your needs.

  • Both plans cover preventive visits at 100% for both in-network and non-network providers.
  • Preventive care is excluded from calendar year maximums for non-network dentists.

Healthy Lifestyles Program Enhancements: Diabetes and Hypertension Care

Beginning in January, HR benefits will partner with MedVenta to enhance the Healthy Lifestyles Program for team members and dependents enrolled in a medical plan who are diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension.

The Healthy Lifestyles Program provides tools, educational resources, treatment options and cost-saving benefits to help you manage your Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and/or Hypertension. More information will be coming soon via I-Connect and your Daily Connect newsletters.

Update to the Savings and Spending Accounts Contribution Limits

The Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits for 2026 from both you and Novant Health are $4,400 for individual coverage and $8,750 if you cover dependents.

Keep in mind that the contribution amount you’re able to elect for the year will be reduced by the amount of Novant Health's annual contribution: $750 if you have employee-only medical plan coverage or $1,500 for the family plan.

The Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) contribution limits are as follows:

  • Individual $3,400 for the Health Care FSA
  • $7,500 for the Dependent Care FSA

Enroll in Guaranteed Issue Supplemental Life Insurance, for yourself AND your spouse

Team members can enroll in Guaranteed Issue (GI) supplemental life insurance coverage for yourself and your spouse without submitting Evidence of Insurability (EOI), or a letter of good health:

  • For you: Up to $500,000
  • For your spouse: Up to $50,000

You will need to submit Evidence of Insurability if: If you elect more than the GI amounts listed above.

Additional plan information:

  • Spouse Life Insurance is offered as a percentage of salary: Choose up to 1.5x your salary, up to a $200,000 maximum.
  • Spouse and Child Life Insurance can be elected independently, even if you do not enroll in supplemental life coverage for yourself.

Short-Term Disability (STD): More value, without submitting a letter of good health

All team members can elect either a 15-day or 30-day STD plan – no Evidence of Insurability (EOI) or letter of good health required if elected when first eligible. This allows you to enhance your coverage options and provide greater financial security in case of illness or injury.

  • You will be defaulted to the plan that pays 60% of pay after 30 days if you fail to enroll.

Enhanced! Increase in tuition reimbursement

We are excited to announce an increase in our tuition reimbursement program to better support your professional growth and development.

Key Highlights of the Updated Program:

  • Increased Annual Limit: The maximum reimbursement amount you can receive each year has been raised to $5,250 for full-time team members (you must be working at least 30 hours per week to be eligible). Part-time team members can receive up to $2,625.
  • Degree Maximum Limit: The previous maximum has been removed.
  • Shortened Eligibility Period: The waiting period to qualify for reimbursement has been reduced to 90 days from your date of hire or eligibility.
  • Expanded Certification Coverage: A broader range of certifications now qualify for reimbursement, giving you more opportunities to advance your skills and credentials.

Decision Support

Choosing the right benefit plans is important. Our decision support resources will help you understand your options and select the ones that provide the right coverage and value for you and your family.

TIP: Think about the whole cost.

When choosing a medical plan, it’s important to think about the whole cost of coverage — the amount you’ll spend out of your paycheck, as well as out of your pocket (copays, deductibles and coinsurance).

Benefit Options

Medical

Use this interactive side-by-side plan comparison to compare your 2026 medical plan options.


 Novant Health Premier Plan - Novant Health Plus Network Novant Health Premier Plan - Alternative Network Novant Health Premier Plan - Out-of-Network Blue Premium - Enhanced Network Blue Premium - Preferred Network Blue Premium - Non-Preferred Network Blue Premium - Out-of-Network* Blue Standard - Enhanced Network Blue Standard - Preferred Network Blue Standard - Non-Preferred Network Blue Standard - Out-of-Network* Blue HDHP - Enhanced Network Blue HDHP - Preferred Network Blue HDHP - Non-Preferred Network Blue HDHP - Out of Network
1. Premier, Standard and Premium annual deductible: Copays do not apply to the deductible; deductibles cross-accumulate.
HDHP annual deductible: Includes pharmacy and medical; deductibles cross accumulate.
Employee Only $700 $3,200 $7,000 $900 $1,950 $2,800 $3,850 $1,200 $2,200 $3,200 $4,400 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $7,000
Employee/Child(ren) $1,400 $6,400 $14,000 $1,800 $3,900 $5,600 $7,700 $2,400 $4,400 $6,400 $8,800 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $14,000
Employee/Spouse $1,400 $6,400 $14,000 $1,800 $3,900 $5,600 $7,700 $2,400 $4,400 $6,400 $8,800 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $14,000
Employee/Family $1,400 $6,400 $14,000 $1,800 $3,900 $5,600 $7,700 $2,400 $4,400 $6,400 $8,800 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $14,000
2. Premier, Standard and Premium OOP maximum: Includes deductible, coinsurance, copays; all tiers cross-accumulate. Medical and pharmacy OOP are separate limits.
HDHP OOP maximum: Includes medical deductible and coinsurance. Medical and Pharmacy OOP are combined.
Employee Only $2,500 $6,800 $14,000 $3,200 $5,000 $5,600 $7,200 $4,200 $6,200 $6,800 $9,400 $6,000 $7,500 $8,300 $14,000
Employee/Child(ren) $5,000 $13,600 $28,000 $6,400 $10,000 $11,200 $15,400 $8,400 $12,400 $13,600 $18,800 $12,000 $15,000 $16,600 $28,000
Employee/Spouse $5,000 $13,600 $28,000 $6,400 $10,000 $11,200 $15,400 $8,400 $12,400 $13,600 $18,800 $12,000 $15,000 $16,600 $28,000
Employee/Family $5,000 $13,600 $28,000 $6,400 $10,000 $11,200 $15,400 $8,400 $12,400 $13,600 $18,800 $12,000 $15,000 $16,600 $28,000
Medical OOP limit any one member $2,500
 $6,800
 $14,000
 $3,200 $5,000 $5,600 $7,200 $4,200 $6,200 $6,800 $9,400 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Medical and Pharmacy OOP limit any one member $4,100 $8,400 $15,600 $4,800 $6,600 $7,200 $8,800 $5,800 $7,800 $8,400 $11,000 $6,000 $7,500 $8,300 $14,000
Pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum (Individual/Family) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Health care visits: Your costs
All coinsurance amounts in-network and out-of-network are after annual deductible, except where noted.
Preventive care 100% 100% 50% 100% 100% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 100% 100% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 100% 100% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50%
Hospital inpatient services 5% 25% 50% 10% 25% 40% tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 15% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Hospital outpatient services 5%, no ded 25% 50% 10%, no ded 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 15%, no ded 25% 40%, tier 3 ded, OOP max 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Physician inpatient visits 5% 25% 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 15% 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50%
Physician surgery, office $60 25% 50% $75 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% $85 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50%
Physician surgery, inpatient and outpatient $75 25% 50% $100 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% $200 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50%
Primary Care Physician office visit (excluding surgery) $10 25% 50% $20 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% $25 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50%
Specialist office visit (excluding surgery) $35 25% 50% $50 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% $65 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 Benefit applies 50%
Urgent care $15 25% 50% $20 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% $35 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Virtual Care primary care/specialist $10 N/A N/C $20 N/A N/A N/C $25 N/A N/A N/C 10% N/A N/A N/C
Emergency room 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 15%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 15% 20% 20% 20%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 20% 10% 10% 10%, Tier 3 ded/OOP max 10%
X-rays, and lab services, including interpretation at office, urgent care 5%, no ded 25% 50% 10%, no ded 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50% 15%, no ded 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50%
X-rays, and lab services at outpatient hospital or independent facility 5%, no ded 25% 50% 10%, no ded 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 15%, no ded 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Advanced radiology (MRI, PET, CT), office $100 25% 50% $125 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50% $200 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50%
Advanced radiology (MRI, PET, CT), outpatient hospital $100 25% 50% $125 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% $200 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Anesthesia, inpatient 5% 25% 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 15% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Inpatient mental health and substance abuse 5% 5%, tier 1 ded 50% 10% 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 50% 15% 15%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 15%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 50%
Physician office mental health and substance abuse $10 $10 50% $20 $20 $20 50% $25 $25 $25 50% 10% 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max
 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 50%
Physical therapy (no visit limit) $10 $25 50% $20 $35 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% $25 $40 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Occupational therapy (no visit limit) $10 $25 50% $20 $35 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% $25 $40 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Speech therapy (no visit limit) $10 $25 50% $20 $35 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% $25 $40 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max
 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Maternity, hospital 5% 25% 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 15% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50% 10% 25% 40%, tier 3 ded/OOP max 50%
Maternity, Physician Global $75 25% 50% $100 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50% $200 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50% 10% 25% Tier 2 benefit applies 50%
Durable medical equipment 5% 5%, tier 1 ded 50% 10% 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 40%, tier 3 ded/ OOP max applies 50% 15% 15%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max 40%, tier 3 ded/ OOP max applies 50% 10% 10%, Tier 1 ded/OOP max
 40%, tier 3 ded/ OOP max applies 50%

*Novant Health network tier applies when DME services are obtained through Blue Options® PPO Network DME vendor.

  • Tier 3 coinsurance is after Tier 3 annual deductible and is subject to Tier 3 annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Not all hospital-based providers at Novant Health facilities are Tier 1, so you will receive the Blue Options® PPO network (tier 2) benefit if the hospital-based provider is not Tier 1. Novant Health is seeking to expand the number of hospital-based providers in the Novant Health Network.
  • Out-of-network benefits are based on reasonable and customary charges. (MRC 110%)
  • For out of area plan information, refer to the Blue Standard and Blue Premium Out of Area plan grids in the Decision Support section.
  • This guide is intended to summarize the benefits you receive from Novant Health. The actual determination of your benefits is based solely on the plan documents provided by the carrier of each plan. This summary is not legally binding, is not a contract and does not alter any original plan documents.

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
The Novant Health Premier, Blue Standard and Blue Premium medical plans include an HRA, which can be funded by Novant Health. In the Blue Premium Plan, Novant Health will contribute if you elect to enroll in dependent coverage, with the amount based on the coverage tier you select.

In the Novant Health Premier, Blue Standard and Blue Premium plans, you can earn Novant Health HRA contributions for completing well-being activities through the Novant Health well-being portal.

Here are the Novant Health HRA contributions available:


 Premium Premier/Standard/Preimum
Employer contribution to HRA: Fixed Dollars Wellness Incentive Up to
Employee Only $0 $900
Employee/Child(ren) $375 $900
Employee/Spouse $450 $1,175
Employee/Family $750 $1,175

Supplemental Medical

The following plans are available through The Hartford starting in 2026:

  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance

To learn more about your Hartford Supplemental Health Plans, watch this video.

Dental

The Cigna Dental DPPO provider network and the two available dental plan options – the Enhanced plan and the new Base plan allow you to choose the coverage you need and see any dentist when you need care.

Vision

You will have access to a network of Vision Service Plan (VSP) providers in 2026. Click here to learn more about your vision benefits.

Prescription Drugs

When you enroll in a Novant Health medical plan, you automatically receive prescription drug benefits through Capital Rx.

Flexible Spending Accounts

The following accounts are available for 2026:

  • Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care FSA

To learn more about your FSA plans, watch this video.

To learn more about your HSA Plan, watch this video.

Life Insurance & Disability Insurance

Spouse and child(ren) coverage will be available in 2026. In addition to the basic life insurance you receive, which is company paid with no enrollment required, you may enroll in:

  • Employee supplemental life
  • Spouse life
  • Child life
  • AD&D insurance

You can choose to purchase short-term disability, and Novant Health will provide long-term disability insurance at no cost to you, with no enrollment required.

To learn more about your Life/Disability plans, watch this video.

Retirement Savings

Novant Health helps you prepare for retirement with the easy-to-use, tax-advantaged Novant Health Retirement Plus Plan.

To learn more about your Retirement Plus Plan, watch this video.

Voluntary Benefits

Legal Services Plan — Covers a wide array of legal services. To learn more about your legal benefits, watch this video.

YouDecide Team Member Advantages — offers exclusive discounts from hundreds of merchants.

To learn more about this program, watch this video. You may elect these benefits at any time during the year.

  • Group Auto and Home Insurance — gives you access to person insurance policies, including home (not available in MA or FL), renter's, landlord's rental dwelling, condo, car, recreational vehicle and boat.
  • Pet Insurance — Provides coverage to help you cover the costs of veterinary care.

Eligibility

All active regular full-time or part-time team members who are scheduled to work 24 or more hours per week are eligible to participate in Novant Health's benefits program. You may also cover your eligible dependents under Novant Health's medical, prescription, dental, vision and life benefits.

Your eligible dependents include:

  • Spouse
  • Your child(ren) and the child(ren) of your spouse (up to age 26)
  • Children with disabilities who became disabled on or before age 26

Please note: If your spouse is employed and eligible for employer-sponsored group medical coverage, they cannot be enrolled in a Novant Health medical plan; however, if your spouse is self-employed, unemployed/retired/disabled or their employer does not offer group medical coverage to its team members, your spouse may be eligible for medical coverage with Novant Health.

Dependent eligibility verification for any dependents whom you want to enroll in benefits as follows:
Novant Health team members: See Dependent Eligibility Verification