Several plan design changes negotiated in the recent National Agreement take effect October 1, 2026. The monthly credit for employees who opt out of coverage will increase to $200. The plan will cover male sterilization procedures, and the survivor benefit will increase from four to six months. Dental and vision enhancements will also take effect, including increases in the annual dental benefit to $2,500 from $1,500, the lifetime orthodontia benefit to $2,500 from $1,000, and the national vision plan’s frame allowance to $250 from $115 every two years. Enrollment for the new employee-only, reduced rate health care coverage will also occur in October. Because benefits are administered on a calendar-year basis, coverage in this plan will begin January 1, 2027, for those making that election.
