Health care expenses continue to increase drastically each year. AMCN pays more than 80% of the health care costs covered by our plans, and in-network preventive care is covered at 100%.

While paycheck contributions for medical and dental coverage are increasing for most of our plans in 2026, these increases of less than 5% are less than half the national average trend. There is no change in the contributions for vision coverage in 2026.

The changes we’re making in 2026 will continue to help manage health care costs while not limiting access to care. On average, AMCN pays more than 80% of the health care costs covered by our plans, and in-network preventive care continues to be covered at 100%.

View 2026 contributions.

The deductible is the amount you pay each plan year before the plan starts to pay. The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’ll pay out-of-pocket each plan year.

Annual deductibles are increasing for all our medical plans by $50 for individuals and $100 for employee + 1 or more dependents. The out-of-pocket maximum will increase moderately in 2026.

View the in-network amounts for 2026 in the chart below.

All employees enrolled in an AMCN medical plan in 2026 will receive new medical ID cards. As usual, there are no dental or vision ID cards.

To make seeking convenient care simpler and more affordable, we are excited to announce that all virtual telemedicine visits through Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, or Amwell, accessible via the UHC website or app, will now have a $0 copay even before you have reached the deductible. You can access a provider from the comfort of your home, making it easier than ever to get the care you need immediately.

In addition to virtual telemedicine visits, remember that you also have a $0 copay for virtual health support and management though:

• Hinge Health: Physical therapy for muscle and joint pain
• Real Appeal: Online weight management program to help balance fitness, nutrition and mindfulness

The copays for Tier 1 and Tier 3 drugs will increase by $5 and $20 respectively in 2026. The chart below shows the copay amounts for 2026.

These copays apply only after you have reached the deductible, and preventive drugs continue to be available at no cost. For more information and the preventive medication list, view Prescription drug coverage.

In addition, our prescription drug plan will include quantity limits for certain medicines starting in 2026. This is a safety step recommended by health experts (the FDA) to prevent overprescribing. This change helps keep you safe by ensuring you take only the right amount of medicine and doesn’t affect your ability to get the full treatment your doctor prescribes.

The amount you can contribute to your HSA will increase.

The 2026 contribution limits are:

If you’re age 55 or older by the end of 2026, you can contribute an additional $1,000 in catch-up contributions.

AMCN does not contribute to the HSA in the CDHP 70 Basic plan.

You can contribute up to $3,400 to the Health Care FSA in 2026.

We’re increasing the amount you can contribute to the Dependent Care FSA in 2026 to $7,500 if you are single or if you’re married and file joint federal tax returns and $3,750 if you are married and file separately. Highly compensated employees may be subject to reduced contribution limits or receive refunds during the year to comply with IRS requirements.

Visit Tax-advantaged accounts for more information.

Under the SECURE Act 2.0, if you’re age 50 or older and earn more than $145,000 in 2025, your AMC Networks 401(k) Savings Plan (“Plan”) catch-up contributions in 2026 are required to be made as “Roth after-tax” contributions. If this applies to you and you make any catch-up contributions to the Plan in 2026, you will be automatically “deemed” to have elected Roth contributions even if were only contributing on a pre-tax basis before reaching the general annual contribution limit. If you earn $145,000 or less, you may contribute both pretax and Roth catch-up contributions.

If you turn age 60-63 in 2026, you can contribute an additional $11,250 in catch-up contributions to your 401(k).

Roth contributions are taxable when they are made to the Plan. However, your Roth contributions, and any earnings, are generally distributed tax-free provided that you meet the IRS Roth 5-year holding requirements (early distribution penalties may still apply depending on when you withdraw the contributions).

Visit 401(k) Savings Plan to learn more and start contributing.

The following enhancements will apply to all AMC Networks medical plans.

• Preferred Lab Network: Our medical plans are implementing a Preferred Lab Network. This change means that you will receive the highest benefit coverage and preferred pricing when you use laboratory services that are part of UHC’s lab networks. We encourage you to confirm that any lab work ordered by your doctor is performed by a provider within this Preferred Lab Network to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
• Lantern Surgical Center of Excellence: We’re adding a Surgical Center of Excellence benefit through Lantern, a UHC benefit partner. If you require certain surgeries, such as Orthopedic, Cardiac, Neurological, and Gastroenterological, you may be directed to specialized facilities and surgical teams. These centers have been recognized for providing higher quality care – often at a lower overall cost. Utilizing this benefit for eligible procedures can help ensure the best possible outcomes for you while managing healthcare expenses. While you are not required to coordinate your surgery through Lantern, when you do, any costs associated with your surgery will be covered at 100% after you have met your deductible. Additionally, you will be supported by a dedicated Lantern care advisor for the entirety of your treatment.
• New Substance Use Resources and Support: Through United Healthcare we’re now offering access to the Hazelden Betty Ford Wellbeing portal, providing members with resources, education and programs for substance use issues for you or your loved ones. In addition, you’ll have access to individual recovery coaching, which provides 1-on-1, telephone-based conversations with a recovery coach. Visit the UHC Wellbeing Portal to learn more.

We’ve made some changes this year that will give you a more consistent experience with both industry-leading providers Wag! and Rover:

• Moving away from the $100 voucher on Rover to a direct exchange for services – just like Wag!
• Offering more consistent care options such as boarding, walks and home visits
• Helping to ensure a more steady value year-round despite employee location

Visit Bright Horizons to learn more.