What’s New for 2027

Updated Premiums: Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision and Dental

As health care costs continue to rise nationwide, you will see increases to medical premiums for 2027. While these changes reflect broader industry trends, ORNL remains committed to providing a competitive benefits program that offers meaningful value and choice. To see premiums for specific employee groups, click to view the pdf.

ATLC Employees now eligible for Surest

The Surest Medical Plan is a variable copay structure designed to provide you with greater flexibility and cost efficiency in managing your health care expenses. This plan was previously available only to salaried employees but is now available to ATLC Employees.

In-Network deductible increase

For employees enrolled in the Consumer Choice medical plan, deductibles will increase to the following:

• Employee only: $1,750
• All other coverage levels: $3,500

No changes to In-Network Out-of-Pocket Maximum

For employees enrolled in the Consumer Choice medical plan, out-of-pocket maximum will remain as the following:

• Employee only: $2,500
• All other coverage levels: $5,000

Personify Health Wellness Program

In 2027, ORNL is moving from Optum Engage to Personify Health for a more personalized, connected Wellness Incentive experience. Personify brings resources, activities, recommendations, challenges and support together in one place to help you reach your health goals.

HSA maximums increasing

For employees enrolled in the Consumer Choice medical plan, the IRS has increased contribution limits for health savings accounts to the following:

• Employee only: $4,500
• All other coverage levels: $9,000

Health Care FSA available with increased annual election

Employees who select the Surest medical plan, are not enrolled in ORNL medical benefits, or are ineligible for a Health Savings Account may enroll in a health care flexible spending account. Annual employee contributions range from $100 to $3,400.

MetLife 1x supplemental term life insurance

During open enrollment, employees can select an additional 1x supplemental term life insurance coverage without answering any health questions up to 5x their annual salary. Employees may apply for higher coverage amounts up to the lesser of 9x their annual salary or $1.5 million — by answering five health questions.

New! Out of country travel inconvenience and medical insurance

This benefit/policy provides employees with strong financial protection and peace of mind when traveling outside the United States (their principal residence) for trips up to 60 days. The plan helps protect employees’ out-of-pocket travel costs when plans change unexpectedly. Premiums are:

• Employee only: $15 per month
• Employee + Spouse: $30 per month
• Employee + Family: 52.50 per month

See Travel Inconvenience Policy (pdf)Travel Inconvenience Policy

ORNL moving to PTO program

ORNL is combining the separate Vacation and Paid Personal Leave programs into a single Paid Time Off (PTO) program. Instead of managing different types of leave, employees will have one PTO bank to use for vacation, personal needs, or illness. The new PTO program takes effect Jan. 4, 2027. (Note: IGUA employees are not eligible for this program.)