2026 Changes
Medical Coverage
Medical plan claims experience has risen significantly over the last year due to increased utilization and healthcare costs. As a result, there will be some benefit changes to our medical plan for 2026. At in-network providers:
• The annual out-of-pocket maximum for individuals will increase from $3,500 to $5,000.
• The annual out-of-pocket maximum for a family will increase from $7,000 to $10,000.
• Copay Changes
- $10 copay for generic drugs
- $10 copay for PCP and Urgent Care. $0 for Teladoc PCP
- $50 copay for Specialist - no referral necessary; however, some Specialists require a referral from your PCP. $25 copay for Teladoc Specialists - currently limited to Dermatologists
- $500 copay for Emergency Room - ER copay waived if admitted to the hospital
- $300 copay for Hospital Stay
- $200 copay for Advanced Imaging at a hospital's advanced imaging clinic. No charge at a free-standing facility offering the same services
- $300 copay for Outpatient Procedures at a hospital's ambulatory surgery clinic. No charge at a free-standing facility offering the same services
Please note that postdoc-only coverage will remain available at no cost to you. When you add dependents, you pay part of the medical premium.
We encourage you to learn more about our coverage by referring to our 2026 Summary of Benefits and Coverages and our 2026 Health Premium Rate Sheet. We believe that this is a wonderful opportunity for you to take control of your health and well-being towards a healthier and happier you!
Dental Coverage
We are discontinuing the Orthodontia pilot program in 2026, so you will be responsible for the cost of any Orthodontia services received going forward.
Starting in 2026, this plan will:
- No longer offers out-of-network coverage. By choosing to see an out-of-network provider, you will be responsible for the full cost of services received. To receive the highest level of benefits, you must use providers within the Delta Dental PPO network. Although you can see Delta Dental Premier providers, you pay more for their services.
- Pay 75% of all covered basic and major services received from a PPO dentist. Currently, the plan pays 80%.
The above changes are necessary to prevent the need to raise premiums for 2026. Postdoc-only coverage will continue to be available at no cost to you. When you add dependents, you pay part of the dental premium.
Vision Coverage
Good News! - No Increase in Vision Premiums
No plan changes for 2026. You will receive the same benefits in 2026 as you do now!
Meru Health Continues in 2026
Meru Health is a 12-week online mental wellness program that uses a mind-body approach to help reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and long-term burnout. The program has been clinically validated by Stanford Medicine, Harvard, and UC Davis researchers. The program is free for Stanford postdocs enrolled in Stanford Health Care Alliance and their dependents aged 18 and over. Please confirm your state’s eligibility at registration.
2026 Health Premium Rate Sheet
Medical Plan Premium Increases for 2026. No rate increases for dental or vision coverage.