Changes to PEBB retiree benefits for 2027

Thu, 08/20/2026

The Public Employees Benefits Board (PEB Board) has authorized the following changes effective January 1, 2027. The PEBB Program will provide more information about these and other changes in October before annual open enrollment.

Annual open enrollment is October 26 through November 23, 2026.

Note: Information on this page may change. If changes are needed, we will update the information.

Changes to all PEBB medical plans

Medicare plans with Part D coverage: The maximum out-of-pocket cost for prescription drugs will increase to $2,400.
Deductible for consumer-directed health plans (CDHPs) for non-Medicare members will increase to $1,750 for single subscribers and $3,500 for families per IRS requirements.
Health savings accounts (HSAs) for non-Medicare members: The annual maximum contribution will increase to $4,500 for single subscribers and $9,000 for families per IRS requirements.
HIV prevention and treatment for non-Medicare members: Senate Bill 6183 requires coverage of all FDA-approved antiviral drugs for the prevention and treatment of HIV without prior authorization or step therapy. If there is a therapeutically equivalent, generic antiviral drug available, plans do not need to cover the brand name version.

Medical plan changes

Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW)

Mail orders for Medicare members allow up to 100-day supply of maintenance medications at in-network pharmacies.
Non-emergency medical transportation by wheelchair and gurney vans will be available at $0 copay (with prior authorization) to specific locations such as a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospital home. CDHP members must first meet the deductible.

Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA)

Mail orders for Medicare members will allow up to 100-day supply of maintenance medications at in-network pharmacies.
Transportation services for Medicare members will increase to ten round trips per calendar year to get members to and from a network provider when provided by a designated transportation provider.
Non-emergency medical transportation by wheelchair and gurney vans will be available at $0 copay (with prior authorization) to specific locations such as a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospital home. CDHP members must first meet the deductible.
Provider network name change for non-Medicare: Classic, CDHP, and Value plans will use the SoundChoice network. There will be no changes to providers due to the name change. Members will receive a new ID card.
Post-mastectomy bras for non-Medicare members will no longer be limited to two every six months.
Urine drug screening for non-Medicare members is subject to member cost-sharing.

Uniform Medical Plan (UMP)

Centers of Excellence program for non-Medicare members for total joint replacement and spine surgery ends December 31, 2026. Surgeries must be completed by December 31, 2026 to qualify for this program.

SmartHealth

SmartHealth will no longer be available after December 31, 2027. Eligible non-Medicare subscribers who qualify for the wellness incentive by the deadline in 2027 will receive it in January 2028.

Rule changes

All changes to PEBB rules will be available at PEBB rules and policies. Here are some changes that might affect you:

Effective January 1, 2026, a retiree or survivor who is enrolled in Medicare may defer enrollment in PEBB retiree insurance coverage when they have a temporary absence from the United States that exceeds the permitted time allowed under the federal regulations and guidance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Evidence of continuous enrollment in a qualified coverage is not required while a retiree or survivor enrolled in Medicare lives outside of the United States.
Effective January 1, 2026, when a retiree or a survivor must be disenrolled by a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, or Medicare Part D plan as required by federal law due to permanently residing outside of the United States or due to a temporary absence from the United States that exceeds the permitted time allowed under the federal regulations and guidance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), PEBB retiree insurance coverage will be automatically deferred. The subscriber will be exempt from the deferral form requirement. Evidence of continuous enrollment in qualified coverage is not required while a retiree or survivor enrolled in Medicare lives outside of the United States.

2027 monthly premiums: Medicare retirees

The PEB Board authorized the following monthly premiums for 2027 at the July 9, 2026 meeting.

View 2026 monthly retiree costs.

PEBB Medicare plan premiums increasing in 2027

Most PEBB Medicare monthly plan costs are increasing in 2027. Find your new premium and watch for information about other plans. If you want to change your plan, you can during open enrollment, October 26 to November 23, 2026.

Plan	Subscriber	Subscriber and spouse/SRDP (2 eligible)
Kaiser Permanente NW Senior Advantage with Part D	$175.13	$343.82
Kaiser Permanente WA Medicare Advantage with Part D	$221.88	$437.32
Premera Medicare Supplement Plan F (Disabled)	$371.91	$737.38
Premera Medicare Supplement Plan F (Retired)	$167.75	$329.06
Premera Medicare Supplement Plan G (Disabled)	$289.17	$571.90
Premera Medicare Supplement Plan G (Retired)	$143.42	$280.40
UMP Classic Medicare with Part D (PDP)	$396.02	$785.60
UnitedHealthcare PEBB Balance	$279.61	$552.78
UnitedHealthcare PEBB Complete	$342.87	$679.30

2027 monthly premiums: Non-Medicare retirees