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New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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AGCO Employees Face Potential Health Care Cost Increases in 2026

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for AGCO AGCO Corporation, known for its agricultural equipment and solutions, typically offers its employees health insurance through UnitedHealthcare, a major national insurer. This partnership provides a range of medical options, ensuring both comprehensive care and flexibility for AGCO employees. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for AGCO in 2026 Healthcare costs for AGCO employees are expected to rise significantly in 2026, largely due to anticipated increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums across many states. Factors contributing to this surge include a potential end to enhanced federal premium subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation, with some states requesting premium hikes of over 60%. As a result, many workers could face out-of-pocket expenses rising by up to 75%. With insurers already reporting substantial profits, the pressure to manage these costs effectively will be crucial for AGCO and its employees in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'AGCO employees should prepare for 2026 by reviewing upcoming benefit changes and exploring ways to manage rising out-of-pocket health care costs.' - Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'AGCO employees can better navigate rising health care expenses in 2026 by understanding benefit adjustments early and making informed plan selections,' - Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we’ll examine:

  1. Why increasing health care costs are pushing AGCO employers to pass more expenses onto employees.

  2. The approaches companies are using to handle cost pressures, including changes in plan design and pharmacy benefit modifications.

  3. How marketplace premium hikes and medical cost trends affect overall health care affordability.

In 2026, AGCO employees may bear a greater share of health care expenses as costs keep climbing.

Many large U.S. companies, including those such as AGCO, are preparing to adjust benefit structures to counter rising health care expenses. Mercer’s recent survey of 711 U.S. employers with 500 or more employees found that 51% are “likely” or “very likely” to raise deductibles, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums in 2026—up from 45% who said the same for 2025. 1  

Despite cost-saving actions, employers’ health care costs rose by 4.5% in 2024 and are expected to climb another 5.8% in 2025; absent these actions, Mercer estimates that costs could go up by ~8%. 2  A key contributing factor is the high price of GLP-1 medications for diabetes and weight loss, averaging around $1,000 per patient per month. 1  The survey also found that 77% of employers rated managing GLP-1 costs as extremely or very important. 1  Although many companies—including those in the energy sector—have expanded GLP-1 coverage, growing concerns suggest such plans may be untenable by 2026.

Shifting Employer Approaches to Benefits

Previously, employers hesitated to raise deductibles because of tight labor markets and concerns about affordability. Today, with economic uncertainty and slower wage growth, cost management may be taking precedence over hiring and retention efforts in some cases. In 2026, 35% of large firms intend to offer unconventional medical plan options—such as copay-based models aimed at reducing costs while maintaining quality. 1  Moreover, 61% are evaluating alternatives to traditional pharmacy benefit arrangements to bring more clarity to drug pricing and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) services. 1

Rising Costs in the Individual Market

The pressure extends beyond employer-sponsored coverage. The ACA marketplace is slated to experience some of its biggest premium increases in over five years. According to state filings, 2026 premiums could jump dramatically—UnitedHealthcare in New York is seeking increases of up to 66.4%, 3  Arkansas expects an average increase of 36.1%, 4  and Florida Blue is looking at 27%. 5  If enhanced federal subsidies expire at the end of 2025, millions could be exposed to the full impact of these higher premiums.

Why Costs Are Rising Across the Board

Medical cost trends are projected to increase by 7–10% annually—far exceeding general inflation—driven by factors like brand name medications, hospital services, and specialist care. Regulatory changes are adding further pressure. Insurer earnings also contribute, as several major carriers posted record profits in 2024 while launching multibillion-dollar stock buybacks.

Key Take-Away for AGCO Workers

With 51% of employers planning to transfer more health care costs onto workers—and ACA premiums rising sharply—2026 may become a critical year for health care affordability. AGCO employees who familiarize themselves with upcoming benefit changes, optimize HSA/FSA contributions, and choose their 2026 plan with care may offset some of the added costs. Otherwise, households could see thousands in extra spending for equal—or even reduced—coverage.

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Sources:

1.  Mercer. “ U.S. Employers Rethinking Benefit Strategy for 2026 amid Rapidly Rising Costs .”  Mercer Newsroom , 16 July 2025.

2. Fierce Healthcare. ' Mercer survey: Employers may make a return to healthcare cost-shifting strategies ,' by Paige Minemyer. 16 Jul 2025. 

3. New York State Department of Financial Services. ' 2026 Individual and Small Group Requested Rate Actions ,' 2 June 2025. 

4. ACHI. ' Arkansas Insurers File Proposed Rate Increases for 2026 ,' by Chris Ray. 8 Aug. 2025. 

5. Insurance Newsnet. ' Florida Blue among companies proposing double-digit healthcare increases ,' by Christine Sexton. 12 Aug. 2025. 

Other Resources:

1.  Ortaliza, Jared, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2026.”  Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker , 6 Aug. 2025.

2.  New York State Department of Financial Services. “2026 Individual and Small Group Requested Rate Actions – Additional Information.”  DFS Prior Approval Portal , accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

3.  Sexton, Christine. “Watch Out for Double-Digit Health Insurance Increases in 2026.”  The Florida Phoenix , 11 Aug. 2025.

4.  Federal Trade Commission.  Specialty Generic Drugs: A Growing Profit Center for Vertically Integrated Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Second Interim Staff Report.  14 Jan. 2025. pp. 5–6, 19–20, 32–34.

What is AGCO's 401(k) plan?

AGCO's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.

How can I enroll in AGCO's 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in AGCO's 401(k) plan by completing the online enrollment process through the employee benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does AGCO match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, AGCO offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for AGCO's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for AGCO's 401(k) plan is determined by the IRS guidelines, which may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS limits for the current year.

Can AGCO employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, AGCO allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in AGCO's 401(k) plan?

AGCO's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

When can I start withdrawing from my AGCO 401(k) plan?

Employees can begin withdrawing from their AGCO 401(k) plan without penalty at age 59½, or they may access funds earlier under certain circumstances, such as financial hardship.

What happens to my AGCO 401(k) if I leave the company?

If you leave AGCO, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the AGCO plan if eligible.

How often can I change my contribution amount to AGCO's 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amount to AGCO's 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

Is AGCO's 401(k) plan available to part-time employees?

Yes, AGCO's 401(k) plan is available to eligible part-time employees, subject to specific eligibility criteria outlined in the plan documents.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
AGCO has announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs due to decreased demand in agricultural equipment. This includes layoffs and changes to employee benefits.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for AGCO at 4205 River Green Parkway Duluth, GA 30096; or by calling them at (770) 813-9200.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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