Vision Insurance

By Chris Noffke, REBC, CSFS, GBDS, Vice President of Employee Benefits

When I look at the coming year, 2026 feels like it’s shaping up to be a rollercoaster ride for health insurance and other benefits. Rising medical costs, specialty drugs, and policy changes are making benefits strategies more complex and personalized than ever. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act locked in permanent pre-deductible telehealth coverage for high-deductible health plans, a big win for employers and employees who value easier, more flexible access to care. That’s one of the smooth parts of the ride, but some of the looming changes will cause nearly 76,000 Wisconsin residents to lose affordable health care. The bill adds new cost-sharing rules and, in the future, will adjust eligibility windows that could change how individuals access coverage. 

Careful attention and proactive planning will be essential for group health, dental, and vision plans. What may appear to be a simple renewal in 2025 could feel very different in 2026 once these changes take effect. That’s why building a strategy now is so incredibly important. A thoughtful benefits strategy isn’t just about checking the compliance box; it’s about staying ahead of renewal cost pressures, protecting your employees’ access to choice in care, and keeping your organization competitive in a tightening labor market.

If you wait until renewal season to react, options will be available, but it could be too late to make thoughtful decisions. With a proactive plan in place, you’ll be ready to navigate changes with confidence and some control. Employers need to clearly communicate, use cost management strategies, and technology to help employees make informed choices.

If your group provides employee benefits and insurances, let’s start the conversation now. I can help you evaluate your current benefits as our team supports more than a hundred independent physician companies with these decisions. I will help identify potential impacts from the 2026 changes and develop a strategy that keeps your plan strong and sustainable. Contact me at chris.noffke@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3734.