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What's New

March 2, 2026

Pharmacy Changes to the State Health Plan

Specialty Medication Cost Calculations (Base and Select Plans)

Effective 2026, manufacturer copay assistance programs (“copay cards”) for specialty medications will no longer count toward your annual deductible or out‑of‑pocket (OOP) maximum. Only the amount you actually pay will apply toward your calendar‑year deductible (CYD) and OOP maximum. You may continue using copay cards; however, any dollars you receive from the manufacturer will no longer count towards your deductible or OOP maximums.

Introduction of PrudentRx for the Select Plan

Effective 2026, the Select Plan will add an optional program called PrudentRx for specialty medications included on the PrudentRx drug list. Participants who enroll in PrudentRx will pay $0 out‑of‑pocket for eligible specialty medications by maximizing available manufacturer assistance (coupons, copay cards, etc.).

  • If you do not enroll, a 30% coinsurance will apply to specialty medications.
  • Third‑party assistance used through PrudentRx will not count toward your CYD or annual OOP maximum.

Eligible participants will receive additional details and instructions on how to enroll.

February 12, 2026

Tier 5 Retirement Plan will be implemented March 1, 2026

The Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) will implement a new retirement tier—Tier 5—following passage of House Bill 1 during the Mississippi Legislature’s 2025 session.

Tier 5 is designed as a hybrid retirement plan, combining elements of both a defined benefit (DB) pension plan and a defined contribution (DC) plan.

Who Is Affected?

Membership in Tier 5 applies to individuals who:

  • Are hired into PERS-covered positions on or after March 1, 2026, and

  • Are new to PERS, or

  • Previously participated in PERS but refunded their contributions.

Contribution Structure

Employees enrolled in Tier 5 will contribute a mandatory 9% of salary, allocated as follows:

  • 4% to the defined benefit (DB) component

  • 5% to the defined contribution (DC) component

Vesting Requirements

Employees in Tier 5 will vest after eight years of service.

Additional details about Tier 5, including plan design and frequently asked questions, are available on the PERS website:

https://www.pers.ms.gov/Tier5

October 22, 2025

H-1B Update

On October 20, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued additional clarifications regarding implementation of the Presidential Proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on “new” H-1B filings. While open questions remain, the updated guidance provides clarification. 

Petitions Not Subject to the Fee

  • Those with previously issued and currently valid H-1B visas and approval notices.
  • H-1B petitions submitted before September 21, 2025.
  • Petitions for H-1B Extensions, Amendments, or Changes of Employer (transfers) for employees already in the United States. Likewise, change of status from F-1 (OPT or CPT) and J-1 to H-1B.
  • Individuals with approved H-1B petitions will not become subject to the fee if they travel outside the United States. 

H-1B Petitions Subject to the $100,000 Fee

  • H-1B petitions filed for consular notification after September 21, even if the foreign national was in the U.S. when the petition was filed (though some exceptions may apply for individuals with existing valid H-1B visas).
  • Foreign workers who are denied a change of status, amendment, or extension of status.

 Update on MSU H-1B Sponsorships

  • The University will allow sponsorship and the potential payment of the $100,000 fee if the department has the funds available and obtains prior VP approval.

Based on the most recent USCIS guidance, departments considering sponsorship of an H-1B petition should request a consultation with Human Resources Management. HRM will review the circumstances, confirm whether the petition falls under the new requirements, and coordinate next steps.

Please see link for more information about H-1B visas.

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