The cost of medical and dental coverage for Nebraska school employees will rise by 7.25% for the 2026–27 school year, following a rate adjustment approved by the Educators Health Alliance (EHA). The increase affects nearly every public school district in the state.
According to the EHA, medical insurance premiums will go up by 7.44%, while dental insurance rates will rise by 3.17% compared to the 2025–26 school year.
The plan covers more than 92,000 Nebraskans, including active employees and retirees, through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE).
EHA Board Chair and Nebraska State Education Association Executive Director Trish Guinan said the increases reflect rising healthcare costs but remain below national industry averages.
“While our medical claims have increased, we are pleased to approve a rate increase below some industry surveys,” Guinan said. “We’ve maintained over 20 years without a double-digit rate hike and have averaged a 5.01% annual increase over the last decade.”
Guinan noted that the EHA worked to minimize changes in benefits. Deductibles will remain the same, though some copays will be adjusted to help control costs. Mental health and substance abuse visits will continue to have zero copays, and primary care copays will remain unchanged.
The EHA will also continue expanding its alternate network product for districts in areas with multiple network options.
Several cost-control initiatives helped keep the premium increase in single digits, including:
New pharmacy cost management programs
Expanded chronic and emerging disease management programs
Efforts to limit both health and administrative expenses
The EHA, which manages the state’s largest health plan, is governed by a 12-member board representing the Nebraska Association of School Boards, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and the Nebraska State Education Association.