The latest news on benefits: What's new for 2027
Learn about updates and enhancements for the coming year. Then explore your options in the benefits guide.
Supporting you: Updates and enhancements for your health, wellbeing and financial security
At Dow, we’re committed to providing benefits that support your health, wellbeing and financial security, today and in the future. That’s why we continually invest in our benefits program, looking for new ways to enhance your experience, expand access to resources and deliver meaningful value.
For 2027, you’ll continue to have comprehensive benefits coverage, along with several exciting enhancements designed to make it easier to access care, use your benefits and get support when you need it. Highlights include new medical and prescription drug partners, expanded health care navigation and enrollment support through Transcarent and new voluntary benefits that can provide added financial protection.
Take some time to review the updates below and the new resources available to you. We’ve got you covered every step of the way. With expanded support through Transcarent during this year’s annual enrollment, you’ll have access to personalized support to help you understand your medical plan options and choose the plan that best fits your needs. Over the coming months, we’ll ensure you have the information, tools and support you need to make informed decisions, ensure a smooth transition and get the most from your benefits.
The coverage you know, with new benefit partners
Your health benefits are an important part of the support Dow provides to you and your family. In 2027, Dow’s medical plans will be administered by new benefit partners giving you more choice and broader access to care. The most important thing to know is that the coverage provided through those plans is not changing, and they remain Dow-sponsored plans. What is changing are the companies that administer those benefits on Dow’s behalf.
Meet Transcarent: Your personal health care guide
Beginning in 2027, Transcarent will be available to all employees. Transcarent will be your go-to resource whenever you need health care guidance or support. From finding care to navigating treatment options and understanding available resources, Transcarent helps simplify the health care experience and connects you to the care and support that’s right for you.
What you need to know
With Transcarent, you can:
- Get support comparing your Dow medical plan options during annual enrollment.
- Access virtual care 24/7 if enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) medical coverage.
- Find high-quality, cost-effective providers.
- Get help navigating complex medical situations.
- Access Expert Second Opinions.
- Receive support through Surgery Care and Cancer Care services.
Support choosing your 2027 medical plan
Need help deciding which medical plan is right for you? During annual enrollment (November 2 – 19), call (888) 289-8951 to speak with Transcarent. They can help you compare your options, confirm whether your providers are in network and understand key considerations so you can make an informed decision about which plan best meets your needs. Beginning January 1, you’ll have access to Transcarent’s care navigation and health care support services throughout the year.
Steps to take
- During annual enrollment, call Transcarent at (888) 289-8951 if you’d like help comparing your Dow medical plan options for 2027.
- Review the benefits guide to learn more about Transcarent and the support available to you.
- Starting January 1, use Transcarent whenever you need help finding care, understanding your benefits or navigating a health care need.
We're here to help
We know that benefit changes can be a lot to navigate. Our goal is to make the transition as easy as possible and help you feel confident about the coverage and resources available to you and your family. Not sure where to start?
- Call Transcarent at (888) 289-8951 for personalized support comparing Dow medical plans, verifying provider networks and understanding key considerations as you determine which 2027 coverage option is right for you.
- Use the Dow U.S. Benefits Site for specific questions about your Dow benefits, such as eligibility, plan details, steps to take to cover a dependent, enrollment actions and deadlines. Simply search key words or use the "Chat" button to get help from Violet. If you would like to speak with someone directly about your Dow benefits or eligibility, call (833) 693-6947 (MYDOWHR).
New medical carrier: Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) replaces Aetna
The carrier for the High Deductible and Low Deductible Medical Plans is changing from Aetna to BCBS. If you’re enrolled in either the High or Low Medical Deductible Plan, here’s what you need to know and do during annual enrollment.
What you need to know
- With BCBS, you continue to have access to a broad nationwide network of doctors, hospitals and health care providers. Most employees can continue to see the same doctors they use today. More than 94% of health care providers Dow employees currently use are in the BCBS network, compared to 92% in Aetna’s network.
- Overall plan features and coverage remain the same, plus you'll have new tools, programs and support to help you manage your health.
- If you’re currently enrolled, your coverage will continue automatically with BCBS instead of Aetna if you do not make changes during Annual Enrollment.
- If you participate in Maven, the program will continue to be offered if you enroll in a BCBS medical plan. Learn more about Maven in the benefits guide.
- You’ll receive new ID cards in your home mail in December. You’ll also be able to access your ID cards online and through the app. You’ll use a single ID card for both medical and prescription drug services.
Receiving ongoing care?
If you’re currently receiving treatment for certain conditions, you may qualify for transitional care and be able to continue treatment with your current provider. Learn more about transitional care.
Steps to take
- Refer to the medical plan summary for an overview of your options, the in-network benefits and employee contributions.
- Review the benefits guide to learn about BCBS’s tools and resources.
- Visit bcbsm.com to see if your providers participate in the network.
Starting November 2:
- Log in to the Dow U.S. Benefits Site to review your plan options, coverage details and costs.
- Call Transcarent at (888) 289-8951 if you’d like help comparing your medical plan options, seeing which providers may be in-network for 2027 and thinking through which option may best fit your needs for 2027.
- To elect a new medical plan for 2027, you must do so by November 19, 2026 on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site.
Moving to BCBS coverage for 2027? Starting in December:
- Set up your secure online account.
- Get the mobile app.
New prescription drug administrator: Judi Rx replaces CVS Caremark
Judi Rx will become the new prescription drug administrator for the High and Low Deductible Medical Plans beginning January 1, 2027. If you’re currently enrolled in prescription drug coverage through CVS Caremark, here’s what you need to know and do during annual enrollment.
What you need to know
- You'll continue to have comprehensive prescription drug coverage with access to a large network of pharmacies. Judi Rx is a national network of 65,000+ pharmacies, including all national chains (for example, CVS, Costco, Walgreens) and most independent pharmacies. In fact, 99% of pharmacies currently used by Dow employees participate in the Judi Rx network.
- You’ll have access to new tools, programs and support to help you manage medications and understand treatment options.
- If your medications are affected by a pharmacy network or formulary change, you’ll receive a letter later this year from Judi Rx with information and next steps to continue receiving your medication without interruption.
- If you have any open mail order prescriptions, they will transfer to Judi Rx’s preferred mail order provider, Costco. Watch for additional information on Costco Mail Order from Judi Rx later this year. Note: You do not need a Costco membership to use Costco Mail Order Pharmacy.
- You can continue enjoying access to affordable, high-quality prescriptions through the Dow Family Health Centers, where available.
- You’ll continue to have access to Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS) to help you identify lower-cost alternatives and make informed decisions about your prescription drug benefits. Learn more about RxSS in the benefits guide.
Steps to take
- Review the welcome flyer and watch for a welcome booklet from Judi Rx in December in your home mail. They include everything you need to get started, including details about your pharmacy benefits and instructions for downloading the app.
- If you purchase mail order, you will need to create an account with Costco. Watch for more information from Judi Rx.
- Effective January 1, just show your new BCBS ID card, which includes both your medical and prescription drug information, when you pick up your medication — much the same as you do today.
- Visit the Judi Rx informational site (coming soon) to find participating pharmacies, prescription drug details and more.
Additional medical updates
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, which may save you money if one individual has major health care needs and others do not. For 2027, the individual embedded deductible under family coverage is $3,500.
Low Deductible Medical Plan — Out-of-pocket maximums updated
The out-of-pocket maximum amounts under BCBS for 2027 will be determined by your base salary as of October 1, 2026. If your out-of-pocket medical costs reach the amounts below, you will not have to pay eligible out-of-pocket costs for in-network services for the remainder of the year:
- Less than $100,000: $3,000 individual/$6,000 family
- $100,000 - $127,500: $4,000 individual/$8,000 family
- $127,501 or more: $5,000 individual/$10,000 family
Cigna HMO will no longer be available
Due to the increasingly high premiums for employees and low enrollment, the Cigna HMO medical plan will no longer be available in 2027. If you're currently enrolled in this option, read about what you need to know and do during annual enrollment.
Health care contributions
Like many employers across the country, Dow continues to experience rising health care costs. For 2027, contributions for medical and dental coverage will increase.
Dow will continue to invest heavily in your benefits, paying the majority of the cost of coverage and providing access to programs, benefits and resources that support your health, life and future. Read more in the benefits guide about the steps Dow is taking to help manage rising costs and ways you can make the most of your benefits.
You can review your specific health care contributions when you enroll through the Dow U.S. Benefits Site.
New FSA administrator: Via Benefits replaces Inspira Financial
Administration of the Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) will move from Inspira Financial to Via Benefits effective January 1, 2027. If you currently participate in an FSA, read about what you need to know and do related to the transition.
What you need to know
- Your FSA tax advantages are not changing.
- You'll have a streamlined online experience, convenient direct deposit reimbursements and simple access to your account information in one place to help reduce paperwork and make it easier to get reimbursed quickly for eligible expenses.
- You’ll continue using your FSA through Inspira Financial through December 31, 2026.
- If you enroll in one of the FSAs for 2027, you’ll receive a welcome communication and Health Care/Limited Purpose FSA debit cards from Via Benefits in December.
- You can use your new Via Benefits debit card effective January 1 for all eligible expenses – no need to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement. Be sure to keep and upload your receipts to your Via Benefits account for easy recordkeeping.
- You can roll over up to $680 of your unused Health Care/Limited Purpose FSA funds to 2027. These funds will automatically transfer to your new Via Benefits Accounts and be available for use in May 2027. Looking ahead, any FSA rollover funds will be available in May of each year.
Steps to take
- Submit claims from your 2026 Health Care/Limited Purpose FSA election to Inspira Financial by April 30, 2027.
- Submit claims from your 2026 Dependent Care FSA election through March 15, 2027 to Inspira Financial by April 30, 2027.
- Once you receive your welcome communication, go online to set up an account with Via Benefits.
- If you do not plan to use your debit card for expenses, set up direct deposit to receive reimbursement; Via Benefits does not issue checks.
- Begin using your new Via Benefits debit card effective January 1, 2027.
NEW coverage options: MetLife voluntary benefits for added financial protection
To give you more choice and flexibility, Dow is introducing new voluntary benefits through MetLife. These standalone insurance options complement your existing coverage and provide cash benefits paid directly to you when covered events occur. You can use the payments however you choose, whether for medical expenses, household bills, lost income, or other financial needs.
- Accident insurance provides a cash benefit for covered injuries and services related to an accident.
- Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum cash payment if you are diagnosed with a covered condition, such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer.
- Hospital indemnity insurance pays a cash benefit for covered hospital admissions and stays.
These voluntary benefits can help provide an extra layer of financial protection and peace of mind when you need it most.
Steps to take
- Learn more in the benefits guide.
- Consider whether these benefits fit your financial needs and budget.
- Enroll on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site.
Note: Availability of voluntary benefits may vary for employees who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. If voluntary benefits are available to you, they will show as options you can elect when you enroll.
More tax savings with the HSA
What happens if you don't enroll
If you don’t enroll by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 19:
- Your spouse/domestic partner will lose medical coverage. You must complete the annual spouse/domestic partner verification, even if you don’t change your coverage. Learn more in the benefits guide.
- You will not have Flexible Spending Account contributions in 2027.
- Most of your other elections will roll forward to next year (at 2027 rates). However, with several updates for 2027, including new vendor partnerships and changes to medical plan options, now is a great time to review your benefits and make sure they still meet your needs.
Action items for your 2027 benefits transition
As annual enrollment approaches:
- Review the benefits guide to:
- Learn more about your 2027 benefits, including new vendor partnerships and resources available to you.
- Consider whether the new voluntary benefits are right for you.
- Log into the Dow U.S. Benefits Site to:
- Review your medical plan options and estimated costs.
- Call Transcarent at (888) 289-8951 for personalized support comparing Dow medical plans, verifying provider networks and understanding key considerations as you determine which 2027 coverage option is right for you.
- Enroll between November 2 – 19, 2026 on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site.
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Please note: This communication represents a high-level summary and does not constitute the full terms and conditions of these benefits. Some benefits highlighted may require an employee to be enrolled in a certain medical plan. Eligibility and other terms may vary for employees who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. Dow reserves the right to amend or terminate its benefit plans at any time in its sole discretion.
Content Steward: Dow North America Benefits | (833) 693-6947 (MYDOWHR)
October 2025