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

Colgate-Palmolive Employees Face Potential Health Care Cost Increases in 2026

Healthcare Provider Update: Colgate-Palmolive Healthcare Provider Overview Colgate-Palmolive offers its employees access to healthcare services through various providers, primarily utilizing national insurance carriers such as UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. These partnerships ensure comprehensive coverage for employees across their diverse health needs, including medical, dental, and vision care. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for Colgate-Palmolive in 2026 In 2026, Colgate-Palmolive employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to sharp rises in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums. As a result of factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and accelerated medical inflation, many marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket premiums rise by over 75%. These developments create a financial pressure point for employees, particularly for those considering early retirement, as they will need to account for escalating healthcare expenses in their financial planning. With states like New York expecting premium hikes of up to 66%, careful evaluation of healthcare options will be essential for maintaining financial stability. Click here to learn more

'Colgate-Palmolive 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.

'Colgate-Palmolive 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:

Why increasing health care costs are pushing Colgate-Palmolive employers to pass more expenses onto employees.
The approaches companies are using to handle cost pressures, including changes in plan design and pharmacy benefit modifications.
How marketplace premium hikes and medical cost trends affect overall health care affordability.

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

Many large U.S. companies, including those such as Colgate-Palmolive, 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 Colgate-Palmolive 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. Colgate-Palmolive 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.