Here’s a quick glance at what’s new for 2026.
Know What’s Changing
Know What’s Changing
Here’s a quick glance at what’s new for 2026.
Aetna Premier Care Network Plus (APCN+)
We’re joining the Aetna Premier Care Network Plus (APCN+) network beginning January 1, 2026. By joining the APCN+, REI’s Saver and Choice Medical Plans will offer you more provider choice and more ways to save with multi-tiered options. Here’s how it works: When you use APCN+ providers who have been selected based on cost and quality standards—who are in the Tier 1 Maximum Savings option—the plan pays more for your care. You can see providers in Tier 2, or the Standard Savings option, but you’ll pay more.
- Use Aetna’s search tool to confirm you’re seeing a Maximum Savings provider.
- Understand how the plan covers a Maximum Savings or Standard Savings provider in the Benefits Plan Information and Cost Tool.
- Schedule time with a dedicated Aetna resource to get details by going to the “Online Events” section of the Aetna website.
Kaiser High Deductible Health Plan
If you live in Washington, Colorado or California, you can enroll in a Kaiser High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). With this plan, you can participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA) and set aside pre-tax money to pay for eligible health care expenses. Check out the benefits plan information and costs tool for details about the plan.
- If you have questions about the Kaiser HDHP, access live chat, phone and text support tailored to REI plan options and benefits through the Kaiser Permanente website.
- Review the Q&A flyer for details on the Kaiser HDHP.
Pharmacy Provider Changing to Optum Rx
We’re changing our pharmacy provider from Express Scripts to Optum Rx. With this change, you’ll receive a new ID card. If you use mail order, you’ll need to set up an account with Optum Rx. Most active prescriptions will transfer automatically to Optum Rx, but some may require a new prescription.
- OptumRx has a broad network of retail pharmacies. Find a pharmacy near you.
- Contact an Optum Rx Customer Service Advocate at 1-855-261-2736 beginning on November 1.
Lantern (Surgery Care Advocates)
Lantern is a voluntary surgery network available to employees enrolled in the Saver and Choice Medical Plans in 2026. Lantern connects you to a nationwide network of board-certified surgeons. At little to no out-of-pocket cost, Lantern’s dedicated Care Advocates can provide personalized support for eligible planned procedures, from pre-surgical consultations through the surgical procedure as well as post-surgical follow-ups.
- Read a flyer: How does Lantern work?
- Watch a video: What is Lantern Surgery Care?
- See a testimonial: Lantern Members Share Their Experiences
- Learn more: Lantern FAQ
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts: Part-time Employees Can Elect DCFSA for 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account will be available to part-time benefits-eligible employees. A Dependent Care FSA can be used to pay for dependent care expenses while you are at work, such as preschool, summer day camp or before-or-after school programs and child or elder care. Dependent Care FSAs cannot be used for reimbursement of dependent health care costs.
- Review the Flexible Spending Account page for additional information.
- Watch the Dependent Care FSA video from HealthEquity.
- Learn about the DCFSA at a glance.
Dependent Audit Coming in 2026
After Open Enrollment, if you have elected dependent coverage (i.e., coverage for a child, spouse or life partner), you’ll be required to submit documentation to verify that the dependents you have enrolled in health care coverage meet the rules as defined in REI’s health plan. Our third-party administrator, Verifi1, will mail you information related to this required documentation in early 2026.
You can check eligibility for your dependents on the Eligibility page.
Find out what else is changing for 2026.
REI Options Plan
The REI Options Plan offers three new health indemnity plans that provide fixed-payment options for specific health care services such as limited doctor visits, hospital stays or preventive care. When you go to a provider or hospital, present your ID card, and the provider will file the claim directly with ACI on your behalf.
- Visit Benefits Plan Information and Costs to compare coverage between the three plans—Core, Preventive and Plus.
- Find a provider in the First Health Network at firsthealth.com.
- Take a closer look at the virtual primary care and behavioral health services offered by Recuro Health.
- Learn more about prescription drug coverage through Drexi.
- Contact ACI at 1-888-240-0231 for support on understanding how the new REI Options Plan works.
Understand Marketplace Coverage Options
Contact Individual Health Solutions at 1-844-299-1128 for one-on-one concierge support to find, talk through and navigate other health care coverage choices—such as a Marketplace Insurance Plan or government plan—to determine what level of care is right for you. State and/or federal subsidies may be available.
Find out what else is changing for 2026.
Check Your Benefits
Medical
You have two medical plans to choose from: The REI Saver Medical Plan and the REI Choice Medical Plan. (You may be eligible for Kaiser, depending on where you live.)
Dental
Protect your smile with dental coverage.
Choose from these plans: The Core Dental Plan and the Core Dental + Orthodontia Plan.
Vision
REI’s vision plan from VSP can help keep your eyes sharp.
Learn about your other benefit options.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP offers up to eight free counseling sessions per issue per year, either face to face, over video or through text message. You don’t need to be enrolled in an REI medical plan to use the EAP.
RethinkCare
RethinkCare supports your personal wellbeing, professional development and parental success by helping you develop skills to manage stress and anxiety, build resilience, improve your sleep, boost emotional intelligence, collaborate effectively with diverse team members and more.
Retirement Plan
REI’s Retirement Plan helps you save, so when the time comes, you’ll be ready for your next adventure. If you don’t make an active election, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the Plan after 90 days from your date of hire or rehire.
Learn about your other benefit options.
Take Action
Visit the enrollment page on this site Nov. 4–18, 2025, and submit your changes by the deadline—8:59 p.m. PT / 11:59 p.m. ET—if you want to:
Take Action
Visit the enrollment page on this site Nov. 4–18, 2025, and submit your changes by the deadline—8:59 p.m. PT / 11:59 p.m. ET.
Change your benefits or covered dependents
Decide what benefits you want and who you want to cover.
Contribute to an FSA in 2026
You must enroll if you want a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2026—your current elections won’t carry over.
Buy more coverage
Elect voluntary Long-Term Disability coverage, supplemental life and/or AD&D insurance.
If You Don’t Take Action
- Your current elections will roll over to 2026, except for FSAs.
- You won’t be able to make changes until the next Open Enrollment period, unless you have a qualifying life event.
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