Duke Announces Benefits Changes for 2026, Including New Health Plan
Open Enrollment extended to three weeks; changes include new high-deductible plan option with a paired Health Savings Account
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Duke will consolidate administration for all employee health plans under Cigna Healthcare in 2026, a move that will help control expenses and provide access to a broad network of providers.
The network will include nearly all current providers, and employees will have access to an online directory to verify participation and request additions if necessary. Express Scripts will remain the pharmacy benefit provider under a newly negotiated contract.
In addition to the existing five medical plans, Duke will introduce a new high-deductible plan, Duke Advantage, which will feature a Health Savings Account (Duke HSA). The plan will have a lower monthly premium but a higher deductible, which may appeal to employees who use health care services less frequently.
Duke will also change its premium payment schedule. Beginning in January 2026, premiums for health, dental and vision insurance will be deducted for the current month rather than the following month. Because December coverage will have been paid for in November, there will be no premium deduction in December 2025.
For employees paid biweekly, premiums will be spread equally across 26 pay periods rather than 12, reducing fluctuations between paychecks for hourly-paid staff.
The Open Enrollment period for 2026 benefits will run for three weeks — from Oct. 6 to Oct. 24 — giving employees additional time to review plan options.
More information about premiums, coverage and plan details will be shared in September.
