August 22, 2026 Issue, Page 13 of 14

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 • 13 2027 insurance premiums set CBA for state, education and local government employees OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. cost of providing benefits. While OMES maintains egies have helped members 13, 2026) – The Office of HealthChoice plan pre- the authority to approve car- save more than $370 million Management and Enterprise miums will increase for PY rier rates, OHCA assumed in premium costs. The agen- Services (OMES), in part- 2027. To offset the increase, responsibility for admin- cy pledges it will continue nership with the Oklaho- employee benefit allowances istering the plans in 2024. building on those efforts. ma Health Care Authority will by adjusted by the Legis- Together, OMES and OHCA Additionally, Blue Cross (OHCA), has approved pre- lature in accordance with 74 are committed to providing and Blue Shield of Oklahoma mium rates for health, den- O.S. § 1370. members with a depend- has elected to not offer its End of Week 1 football practice. The boys have been working hard and tal, life, disability and vision “The adjustment in able benefits system and health plans during PY 2027 ready to tackle the season. insurance products to be of- HealthChoice plan premi- collaborating on long-term open enrollment. Scrimmage: @BFDC August 21 7:00PM fered to state, education and ums was necessary since solutions that best serve em- Open enrollment for PY 1st Game: August 28th @Canton 7:00PM many local government em- prior year premiums have ployees, retirees and their 2027 will begin this fall, and ployees, retirees, and their not kept up with increas- families. the new rates will go into ef- dependents for Plan Year es in healthcare costs,” said At the OEIBB meeting, fect Jan. 1, 2027. Members 2027. OMES Director Mark Wood. OHCA leaders agreed that a are encouraged to review The Oklahoma Employees “HealthChoice continues to rate adjustment is necessary their benefit options and any Insurance and Benefits Board offer competitive benefits at to ensure the long-term fi- premium changes before se- (OEIBB) recommended the a value that compares favor- nancial stability of the plan, lecting coverage for the up- rates be approved during its ably with other plans avail- adding that OHCA remains coming year. Members will August meeting following able to state employees. This committed to managing continue to have access to a a review of projected med- approach helps ensure the costs responsibly and deliv- wide range of insurance op- ical and pharmacy claims, long-term sustainability of ering value for our members. tions from multiple carriers healthcare utilization and the plan while continuing to Since 2010, OHCA estimates in PY 2027. other factors affecting the provide quality coverages.” its cost-containment strat- CANUTE Canute Seniors at Senior Sunrise Josh Moran President/Owner 319 Industrial PKWY Elk City, OK 73644 580.225.2575 MORAN SERVING EQUIPMENT Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico Congratulations to the JH softball team. Champions of the Elk City JH Tournament. www.moranequipment.com Mega Farmers Union Co-Op Gin Breeze & Mini Breeze SUBSCRIBE TODAY Call For Pricing! Parts Available! 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-6554 580-225-0191 One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 www.elkcitycoop.com OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com We proudly support the students, staff and Current news and administration at Canute Schools great deals delivered 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 banksovereign.com | Member FDIC ~ Great Plains Bank ~ First National Bank right to your door!