For 2026, the Minnesota Star Tribune will continue to offer the PPO and HSA Plans administered by UMR and the Surest Plan.

Each year, we strive to offer benefits to you and your family that provide protection with choice and flexibility. We hope that you will see our commitment to you and your family by providing benefits that are inclusive, supportive, and responsive to your health and wellbeing.

• Reflective of this commitment, we added Dario Health, a healthy living program to offer resources and care for those dealing with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, weight management, muscloskeletal and mental health.
• We also offer a wellness program, with a reduced monthly premium for PPO and the Surest plan, or a higher HSA employer contribution for completing the program.
• In addition to the core benefits of medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability, our benefits package include paid time off, 401(k) match, commuter benefits, EAP, and career development through LinkedIn Learning and tuition reimbursement

2026 Open Enrollment Presentation

2026 Benefits Highlights – What’s changing?

• Changes to our medical premiums, deductibles, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximums, and overall cost sharing percentages.
• Telehealth
  • The HSA medical plan will now allow for telehealth (general medicine, dermatology, and behavioral heath) visits to be covered by a $15 copay before meeting the deductible. The PPO medical plan already offers this benefit.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
  • The Dependent Care FSA maximum contribution amount will increase to $7,500  from $5,000
  • The Medical FSA is increasing to $3,400 from $3,200 for 2026
• Health Savings Account (HSA):
  • The 2026 individual contribution is $4,400 and the 2026 family contribution is $8,750

Since all the medical plans cover the same type of health care services, you’ll want to pay attention to differences in coverage for in-network providers and out of network providers, your biweekly rates, and some of the set amounts that you will pay out of pocket up front such as prescription copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays in the Surest plan. You’ll want to consider the health care needs of you and your eligible dependents.

If you participate in the Minnesota Star Tribune Wellness program, you can further reduce your out of-pocket costs.

We are excited to announce that as an active employee on the UMR & Surest medical plans, you now have access to Dario’s free-to-you healthy living programs*. Learn to make simple changes you can stick with to improve your health and quality of life. Dario will be with you every step of the way. Whether you want to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, manage diabetes, tackle joint pain, or improve mental well-being, Dario is here for you. All you need is your smartphone to get started – Dario will give you everything else you need to succeed!

Click here to get started today

The Dario programs include:

• Easy-to-use mobile apps for tools, tips, and tracking your progress
• Connected devices (like a scale or a blood pressure monitor) that syncs with the app, shipped right to your door
• One-on-one coaching for motivation and support
• Personalized guidance on diet, exercise, managing stress, and more

Create lasting habits, reach your goals, and take control of your health. Dario can’t wait to help make better health easy for you.

Click here to get started today

*The Dario programs are available at no cost to employees and adult dependents enrolled in the UMR & Surest medical plans.

The Minnesota Star Tribune offers time off to all employees – either Paid Time Off (PTO) or Sick and Safe Time (SST). See company policies and negotiated contracts for details.

Additionally, those who are eligible for PTO are also eligible for a Volunteer Paid Time Off day annually, leaves (paid and unpaid), and bereavement. Certain employees are also eligible for health and wellness hours. Observed holidays are covered by PTO.