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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Ares Management Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Provides medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with mental health benefits and flexible work arrangements 11. With ACA premiums projected to rise 18% or more 2, Aress benefits may help employees avoid marketplace instability and maintain comprehensive coverage Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Ares Management employees should compare marketplace and employer-related options early, model net costs with and without current subsidies, and coordinate with HR and a qualified tax professional for decisions suited to their situation.' — Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'With ACA marketplace premiums expected to climb in 2026, Ares Management employees should compare employer and marketplace options early, estimate net costs under both current and lapsed subsidy scenarios, and coordinate with HR and a qualified tax professional to align coverage with their budget.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:
1. The expected premium increases for ACA marketplace plans in 2026 and their potential impact on Ares Management employees and retirees.
2. The major national insurers and states with the largest requested rate hikes.
3. The primary economic, legislative, and industry factors driving these increases.
In 2026, health insurance rates for plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are expected to surge, with several insurers requesting increases exceeding 60%. ¹ For Ares Management employees and retirees using ACA coverage, this could mean a substantial rise in health care costs. State insurance filings and industry publications point to higher medical expenses, the potential end of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and significant rate-hike proposals from major insurers as key drivers of the increase.

According to KFF’s analyses, the vast majority of marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits, and if the enhanced credits expire after 2025, average out-of-pocket premium payments for subsidized enrollees could rise by more than 75% in 2026. ¹ As of January 2025, 24.2 million people selected 2025 marketplace coverage, ² and about 93% of marketplace enrollees rely on premium tax credits. ³ KFF also reports that requested premium increases for 2026 are the largest in years, with most proposals falling between roughly 12% and 27% and a median of 18% across reviewed filings. ⁴

Top 10 States With the Largest Requested Premium Increases for 2026:
- New York: UnitedHealthcare requesting up to +66.4% (individual market).
- Arkansas: QualChoice +54.4% , Ambetter (Celtic) +42.5% , statewide average +36.1% .
- Colorado: Western Slope ~+38.8% ; statewide average +28.4% . Rocky Mountain HMO +36.4% , Cigna +29.4% , Anthem +33.6% , Kaiser +15.3% .
- Florida: Molina ~+41% , Florida Blue +27% , Centene Venture +18.73%
- Maine: Anthem (revised) +24.8% ; statewide weighted average +25.9% .
- Washington: 14 insurers; requested average +21.2% .
- Vermont: BCBS Vermont +23.3% .
- Maryland: Requested statewide average +17.1% (individual market).
- Illinois: BCBS Illinois +27% .
- Texas: BCBS Texas +21% .
Major National Insurers and Their 2026 Requests:
- UnitedHealthcare (UnitedHealth Group): Up to +66.4% in New York.
- Elevance Health (Anthem BCBS): +33.6% in Colorado; +24.8% in Maine.
- Kaiser Permanente: +15.3% in Colorado (individual market).
- Centene Corporation (Ambetter/Celtic): +42.5% in Arkansas; +18.73% in Florida.
- Cigna Healthcare: +29.4% in Colorado.
- Molina Healthcare: ~41% in Florida.
- HCSC (BCBS IL, TX): +27% in Illinois; +21% in Texas.
- GuideWell (Florida Blue): +27% in Florida.
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield: Maryland requested statewide average +17.1% .
- CVS Health/Aetna: Withdrawing ACA marketplace plans in 17 states in 2026, affecting ~1 million members.
Key Factors Driving the Increases:
- Loss of Enhanced Premium Subsidies: The American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act extended ACA subsidies through 2025. Without renewal, subsidized enrollees could see sharp increases in monthly premiums beginning in 2026 (KFF estimates more than a 75% jump in average out-of-pocket premiums for subsidized enrollees if the enhancements lapse). ¹
- Medical Cost Inflation: Leading consultancies report elevated medical cost trends heading into 2026—about 7.5% in the individual market and 8.5% in the group market ⁵ —driven by hospital/physician services and prescription drugs.
- Regulatory Shifts: Market rules and state laws have influenced filings. For example, analysts note federal policy changes (e.g., the Marketplace Integrity rule) as a factor cited in filings, adding operational uncertainty for vertically integrated insurers/PBMs.

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Sources:

1. KFF, Health System Tracker. ' How much and why ACA Marketplace premiums are going up in 2026 ,' by J. Ortaliza, M. McGough, K. Vu, I. Telesford, S. Rakshit, E. Wager, L. Cotter, C. Cox. 6 Aug. 2026.

2. CMS.gov. ' Over 24 Million Consumers Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace for 2025 .' 17 Jan. 2025.

3. The Commonwealth Fund. ' Proposed Rule Will Make Consumers Pay More for Health Insurance and Care in ACA Marketplaces ,' by Sara Collins. 7 May 2025.

4. Fierce Healthcare. ' KFF Analysis finds a median ACA premium hike of 18% for 2026 ,' by Paige Minemyer. 8 Aug. 2025.

5. PwC Health Research Institute. Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers 2026 . PwC , 16 July 2025, https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/health-industries/library/behind-the-numbers.html .

Other reources:

1. New York State Department of Financial Services. “Summary of 2026 Requested Rate Actions.” DFS Portal , 2 June 2025, https://myportal.dfs.ny.gov/web/prior-approval/ind-and-sg-medical/summary-of-2026-requested-rate-actions .

2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability (Final Rule). 18 June 2025, PDF, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cms-9884-f-2025-pi-rule-master-5cr-062025.pdf .

3. Minemyer, Paige. “Aetna to Exit the ACA Exchanges in 2026.” Fierce Healthcare , 1 May 2025, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/aetna-exit-aca-exchanges-2026 .
Pages/Sections referenced: Article body noting ~1 million exchange members and the 2026 exit (single web page; n. pag.).

What is the purpose of Ares Management's 401(k) plan?

The purpose of Ares Management's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to contribute a portion of their salary.

What types of contributions can employees make to Ares Management's 401(k) plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and, if eligible, catch-up contributions to Ares Management's 401(k) plan.

Does Ares Management offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Ares Management offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Ares Management's 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Ares Management's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

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

Ares Management's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Ares Management's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Ares Management has a vesting schedule for the company match, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

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

The maximum contribution limit for Ares Management's 401(k) plan is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should check the current limit for the year.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Ares Management?

Yes, Ares Management allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) balance if they leave Ares Management?

If an employee leaves Ares Management, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the plan, or withdraw it, subject to tax implications.

How can employees access their 401(k) account information at Ares Management?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the Ares Management benefits portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Ares Management has recently announced a restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs. This restructuring includes potential layoffs and changes to employee benefits as part of a broader effort to improve operational efficiency. It is crucial to address this news due to the current economic environment, where companies are making significant adjustments to adapt to shifting market conditions and regulatory changes. The investment climate is uncertain, and understanding these changes is vital for navigating financial planning and tax implications. Additionally, political decisions on economic policies may influence how these restructuring measures impact employees' retirement plans and benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Ares Management at 2000 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA 90067; or by calling them at (310) 201-4100.