The increase to extended health and dental premium rates for retired members takes effect February 1, 2026. Because premiums are deducted one month in advance, the new rates will appear on your January 2026 pension payment.

Have questions about the increase in premium costs? Find answers to common questions for retired College Pension Plan members below.

Q: Why have rates increased?

The College Pension Board of Trustees regularly reviews retirement coverage levels and premium rates. The board may adjust them to help keep the program sustainable for current and future retired members.

Key cost drivers are:

• Increased member utilization of the plan
• Inflation
• The plan design changes taking effect in 2026, which account for 2 per cent of the increase
• Alignment with GreenShield’s reasonable and customary limits

The largest cost driver is the rising cost of prescription drugs, which continues to grow well above the rate of inflation and is expected to increase further.

The second largest cost driver is the price of paramedical services, which is projected to continue increasing at rates above inflation.

Dental premiums are increasing mainly due to general price inflation.

Q: How much are rates increasing?

• Extended health care premiums are increasing by about 16 per cent. For single coverage, that’s $99.00 in 2026, up from $85.24 in 2025.
• Dental premiums are increasing by about 4 per cent. For Essential Dental single coverage, that’s $34.93 in 2026, up from $33.57 in 2025.

Q: Will rates continue to increase?

Health care costs are expected to continue rising, which means extended health and dental premiums may increase in the future. However, this doesn’t mean premiums increase every year — in previous years, premiums have stayed the same or even decreased.

Q: Where can I find more information?

For more information, check the resources listed under related content on this page:

• View current premium rates
• Read Pension Life newsletter
• Watch the Post retirement group benefits coverage video to see what’s new in your extended health care plan
• Learn about health coverage in retirement
• Read the board communique for details on the recent changes to the extended health care plan

Last updated: January 15, 2026