• Upwise Choose – Upwise is a personalized guidance tool that helps you pick the benefits that best fit your needs. After just a few simple questions, Upwise will deliver a clear, data-driven confidential recommendation based on your health, finances, and preferences. We have implemented this improved tool to help you make selections and get the most out of your benefits!
• Lyra Health – The State is partnering with Lyra Health to offer additional options for care through the state health plan. As of January 1, 2026, you and your dependents, including children and teens enrolled in one of the State health plans, have access to continued care with your Lyra therapist beyond your 6 free sessions. You and your dependents will also have access to Medication Management Support, which allows participants to consult with a specialized prescriber on mental health medication.
• Short Term Disability – The Short Term Disability coverage through MetLife is changing effective July 1, 2026. At that time, MetLife will be the primary payer, with any state pay for PFL and PFLMA paying secondary. Be sure to watch for upcoming important communications.
• Long-Term Care – Long-Term Care coverage, which was available to employees enrolled in Supplemental Life Insurance, will end on June 30, 2026. As of February 1, 2026, UNUM is no longer accepting new enrollments. If you currently have Long-Term Care coverage, you should have received information from UNUM about the option to port (continue) your coverage as an individual policy directly with them. For questions or more information about continuing your coverage, please contact UNUM at 800.227.4165.

If you currently opt out, you will need to participate in open enrollment this year or you will be enrolled in the Washington Plan with employee-only coverage. Any flexible benefits coverage you currently enjoy will be discontinued. Covered dependents will also lose coverage. Acceptable proof of credible coverage includes:

• A Certificate of Coverage from the health plan carrier that shows group coverage (a copy of your insurance ID card is insufficient).
• A letter on letterhead or an email from an employer’s HR department verifying active coverage, along with the type of coverage for the enrolled members.
• TriCare Letter from the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) or a TriCare identification card.
• Current Medicare identification card (including Part A and Part B).
• Social Security Award letter within the past twelve months, and which shows active Medicare coverage (including Part A and Part B).
• A current benefits enrollment statement.

Please Note: Other creditable coverage does not include Medicaid, Indian Health Services, or coverage obtained through the Marketplace Exchange.

If you are opting out of the health plan for the first time due to other creditable group coverage, you must send proof of other credible coverage to benefitswebsite@state.sd.us by May 22, 2026, so you may want to make sure you have that available by the deadline.