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

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Carter's Employees Face Potential Health Care Cost Increases in 2026

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Carter's Carter's, a well-known children's apparel company, primarily utilizes Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as its healthcare provider. This partnership allows employees to access a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, employees at Carter's should brace for significant rises in healthcare costs. A reported trend indicates that many large employers, including Carter's, are likely to increase deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums in response to soaring healthcare expenses, heavily influenced by anticipated double-digit premium hikes in the ACA marketplace. Without the renewal of enhanced federal subsidies, workers could see their premiums spike by over 75%, compounding the financial burden already tied to rising medical costs driven by inflation and escalating prescription drug prices. Preparing for these adjustments now by reviewing benefits and optimizing healthcare strategies will be crucial for mitigating these potential increases. Click here to learn more

'Carter's 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.

'Carter's 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 Carter's 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, Carter's employees may bear a greater share of health care expenses as costs keep climbing.

Many large U.S. companies, including those such as Carter's, 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 Carter's 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. Carter's 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 type of retirement savings plan does Carter's offer to its employees?

Carter's offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Is participation in the 401(k) plan at Carter's mandatory?

Participation in Carter's 401(k) plan is voluntary for employees.

What is the eligibility requirement for Carter's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Carter's are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically outlined in the employee handbook.

Does Carter's match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Carter's offers a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees at Carter's enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Carter's 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal.

What types of investment options are available in Carter's 401(k) plan?

Carter's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Carter's?

Yes, employees at Carter's can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions in Carter's 401(k) plan?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions in Carter's 401(k) plan is detailed in the plan documents and typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before fully owning the employer match.

When can employees at Carter's withdraw funds from their 401(k) accounts?

Employees can withdraw funds from their Carter's 401(k) accounts upon reaching retirement age, or under certain circumstances such as financial hardship, as defined by the plan.

Does Carter's provide educational resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Carter's provides educational resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options and investment strategies.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
401(k) Plan Adjustments: Carter's has updated its 401(k) plan to increase the company match from 4% to 5% of employee contributions. This adjustment aims to enhance employee retention and attract new talent amidst a competitive labor market. With ongoing economic uncertainties, this change helps employees save more for retirement and provides a stronger financial cushion.
Layoffs and Restructuring: In early 2023, Carter's announced a reduction in workforce as part of its restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. The company indicated that the layoffs were necessary to improve operational efficiency and align with shifting market demands.
Stock Options: Stock options typically give employees the right to purchase company shares at a set price after a certain period. Carter's stock options are generally offered to senior executives and key employees as part of their compensation package. RSUs: Restricted Stock Units are company shares given to employees as part of their compensation, but with restrictions that typically lapse over time. RSUs at Carter's are usually provided to a broader group of employees including managers and senior-level staff. Specific Information by Year
Recent Employee Healthcare News: Summarize any recent news affecting employee healthcare at Carter's. Research Sources Official Website: Look for health benefits information in the company's careers section or employee resources area. News Websites: Search for recent articles or press releases related to Carter's employee health benefits. Industry Reports: Check industry-specific reports or news platforms for relevant updates. HR and Benefits Sites: Explore HR or benefits management websites for detailed insights. Financial and Business News: Look into financial news platforms for any relevant updates on employee benefits. Steps to Perform the Search Official Website: Visit Carter’s official website and navigate to the careers or employee benefits section. Google Search: Perform a Google search with keywords such as "Carter's health benefits 2022 2023 2024" and review the top results. Industry-Specific Sources: Check HR and benefits management websites such as SHRM.org or BenefitsPro.com. Business News Sites: Explore business news sites like Bloomberg or Reuters for relevant updates.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Carter's at 3438 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30326; or by calling them at +1 404-745-2700.

https://www.microsoft.com/benefits https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.businessinsider.com/ https://www.reuters.com/ https://www.bloomberg.com/

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