Be in the know
Review your retiree coverage and what's new
Update on retiree medical premiums
Since you share in the cost of your health coverage, your contributions go up as expenses rise. The limit on the amount Dow pays toward coverage was previously reached, which means all increases in costs directly impact what you pay. This year there are significant increases driven by:
- Rising prices for health care across the country.
- Expected medical and pharmacy expenses within the Dow population based on usage.
- Administrative costs associated with managing the plans.
Your specific contributions depend on your plan and coverage level, so be sure to review your costs when you enroll. If you have more than one option available to you, you could save money by choosing the most cost-effective plan for your situation. Review the summary of coverage, then consider your monthly premiums based on coverage level and other factors.
Read more about costs and coverage, including both what Dow is doing and what you can do.
Life insurance rates
If you are enrolled in supplemental life insurance coverage, keep in mind that rates are increasing for 2026.
You can review your specific health care contributions and life insurance rates for 2026 when you enroll through the Dow U.S. Benefits Site.
High Deductible Medical Plan — Embedded individual deductible adjusted based on IRS guidelines
Under the High Deductible Medical Plan, you have an individual deductible level even with family coverage. For 2026, the individual embedded deductible under family coverage is $3,400.
Review the summary of coverage for other details.
You can use Aetna Teladoc to get the care you need, when and where you need it. If you're enrolled in an Aetna medical plan, you can get the care you need from the convenience and comfort of your own home — without the long drive to the doctor's office or sitting in a waiting room. So whether you live in a rural geography that makes it difficult to seek the care you need or you prefer the convenience of seeing a doctor from your own home, Aetna's Teladoc service provides 24/7 access to board-certified providers for non-emergency medical needs, from allergies and sinus infections to the flu, pink eye and more. Learn more.
As an Aetna member, you’ll have access to Oshi Health regardless of where you live. Oshi Health is a virtual digestive health Center of Excellence that brings together a multidisciplinary care team to help improve and control symptoms. Go to oshihealth.com/dow for details.
Other updates for Aetna medical plan enrollees
- Spend less on your prescriptions: Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS) can help you save money on prescription drugs. This confidential service connects with your Dow-sponsored medical plan to show you lower-cost options for medications you and your family are currently taking. Learn more.
- True Accumulations Program: We're changing how we calculate your annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum if you use a third-party copay assistance program, commonly referred to as a "manufacturer copay card," when you fill your specialty medications. When you use a copay assistance program, your out-of-pocket cost is reduced to save you money and help you get the medication you need. You can still use these programs to help save money, but any savings or rebates you receive from the manufacturer will no longer count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Only the amount you pay out-of-pocket (i.e., the true cost) will apply toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Introducing Aetna Intelligent Matching: Aetna’s Intelligent Matching tool leverages artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to make navigating the health care system easier, helping you get the right care at the right time from the right provider. The built-in technology behind the tool means you’ll save time and money by quickly finding high-quality providers based on your health needs and preferences. Log in at Aetna.com or use the Aetna Health app (Apple App Store | Google Play), then search by procedure, condition category or provider name to find an Aetna Smart Compare® provider by looking for the Aetna Smart Compare “Quality & Effective Care” badge.
Save more tax-free dollars
If you enroll in the High Deductible Medical Plan and meet all the IRS requirements and you have your own Health Savings Account, take advantage of increased IRS limits for 2026:
- Up to $4,400 if you are enrolled in individual coverage
- Up to $8,750 for other coverage tiers
- If you will be age 55 or older in 2026, you can contribute an extra $1,000.
The High Deductible Medical Plan and and an HSA make a great pair. Consider how they work together.
Meet Violet: Smart tools for smart choices on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site
The Dow U.S. Benefits Site, now powered by the Violet smart system, provides quick and easy answers to your questions, along with personalized guidance and support in making your decisions. You have access to a powerful set of smart tools designed to take the guesswork out of managing your benefits, making your experience smoother and more user-friendly. Discover Violet on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site today.
Stay up to date with text messages
Sign up on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site to stay informed, focusing on important, real time, benefit news and updates only. See how.
Other important things to know
- If your spouse/domestic partner is also a Dow retiree or current Dow employee, don't enroll for coverage twice.
- To allow another person to access information about your plan/benefits, you must have an approved authorization on file.
- To permit another person to make decisions for you without the need for your approval, you need to submit a Power of Attorney (POA) to Dow that describes the powers you wish to delegate.
Don't forget the spouse/domestic partner verification for medical coverage
Even if you don’t change your elections, you must complete a verification every year if you want Dow medical coverage for your spouse or domestic partner. The only exception is for Medicare retiree coverage, which doesn’t require verification. Read more.
If you participated in the Retirement Health Care Assistance Plan (RHCAP) while you were working at Dow, you can use it for reimbursement of eligible Dow or non-Dow medical premiums (including premiums for Medicare Part B and standalone Medicare Part D plans) and Dow will match your funds dollar for dollar. Also, there are two investment allocation options for the money in your RHCAP account.
For more information, sign into your account at viabenefitsaccounts.com or call Via Benefits at (800) 953-5395 (TTY:711).