Published to Newsletter on Mar 19, 2026
Open Enrollment (OE) will take place April 22 – May 15. As we prepare for this important period, we want to help our benefits-eligible Lobo community understand the key updates for the coming plan year and the larger healthcare trends influencing them. More detailed information and resources will be shared as OE approaches.
Like institutions across the nation, UNM continues to experience rising health care costs. As a result, employee insurance premiums will increase by 13.1% for employees enrolled in either the LoboHealth or Presbyterian medical plans for the 2026–2027 Plan Year. We understand the impact that cost increases can have, and we encourage everyone to take time during OE to review their plan options and choose what best supports their family’s needs.
Beginning July 1, UNM will transition from CVS Caremark® to Express Scripts® by Evernorth® for prescription drug benefit services. This change follows a thorough competitive procurement process to ensure UNM continues providing high‑quality, cost‑effective pharmacy benefits.
This transition applies to employees and dependents enrolled in medical coverage through UNM LoboHealth (BCBSNM) and Presbyterian Health Plan. The Benefits & Employee Wellness team is working closely with Express Scripts® to support a smooth transition for all members.
In addition, GLP-1 medications when used for weight management will no longer be covered. There will be no change to coverage for GLP-1 medications prescribed for other conditions. UNM is providing financial support and transition assistance to impacted members currently utilizing these medications. The UNM Benefits team will contact impacted employees directly in early April with additional information.
Even as costs rise nationally, UNM is committed to preserving the value of your benefits. For the upcoming plan year, there will be no changes to copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or out‑of‑pocket maximums. Additionally, there are no changes to rates or benefit offerings for the following plans:
We will provide resources for employees to compare updates rates and utilize our review tools to ensure your selections continue to meet your needs.
We will continue providing updates as we move toward and through the Open Enrollment period. Thank you for being part of our UNM community and for the care you bring to our Lobo Pack every day. Please visit our website and reach out to Benefits and Employee Wellness at 505-277-6947 or hrbenefits@unm.edu with questions.
Tags: Benefits
