Healthcare Provider Update: Eli Lilly's primary healthcare provider initiatives are often tied to their pharmaceutical products and drug distribution networks, which include partnerships with a variety of healthcare systems and organizations to ensure that patients have access to their medications and therapies. Looking ahead to 2026, the healthcare landscape is expected to witness significant cost increases, particularly in health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. With some states projecting hikes exceeding 60%, many individuals could see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75% if enhanced federal premium subsidies are not extended. This surge is driven by a combination of rising medical costs, including both hospital and prescription drug expenses, and the profitability pressures on insurers, prompting them to request substantial rate increases. As a result, consumers, especially those relying on ACA coverage, might face unprecedented financial strain in their quest for adequate healthcare. Click here to learn more
'Eli Lilly 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.
'Eli Lilly 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:
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Why increasing health care costs are pushing Eli Lilly employers to pass more expenses onto employees.
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The approaches companies are using to handle cost pressures, including changes in plan design and pharmacy benefit modifications.
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How marketplace premium hikes and medical cost trends affect overall health care affordability.
In 2026, Eli Lilly employees may bear a greater share of health care expenses as costs keep climbing.
Many large U.S. companies, including those such as Eli Lilly, 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 Eli Lilly 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. Eli Lilly 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 the 401(k) plan offered by Eli Lilly?
The 401(k) plan at Eli Lilly is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a tax-deferred basis.
How does Eli Lilly match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Eli Lilly offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which helps to boost retirement savings.
Can employees at Eli Lilly choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?
Yes, employees at Eli Lilly can select from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
What is the eligibility requirement for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?
Employees at Eli Lilly are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of employment, usually within the first year.
How can Eli Lilly employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Eli Lilly employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What are the contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?
The contribution limits for Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan are set according to IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should refer to the latest IRS limits for specifics.
Does Eli Lilly offer a Roth 401(k) option?
Yes, Eli Lilly provides a Roth 401(k) option that allows employees to make after-tax contributions, which can grow tax-free.
What happens to my Eli Lilly 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Eli Lilly, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Eli Lilly plan if allowed.
Are there any fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees or investment-related fees associated with Eli Lilly's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can I change my contribution amount to the Eli Lilly 401(k) plan?
Employees at Eli Lilly can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.