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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will AvalonBay Communities Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical insurance through Aetna, dental via MetLife, and vision through VSP, with HSA and FSA options and wellness support from Lyra and Maven 1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, AvalonBays employer-sponsored plans with flexible spending and mental health support offer a more stable and cost-effective alternative to marketplace coverage Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, AvalonBay Communities 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, AvalonBay Communities 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 AvalonBay Communities 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 AvalonBay Communities 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 401(k) plan offered by AvalonBay Communities?

The 401(k) plan offered by AvalonBay Communities is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

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

Yes, AvalonBay Communities offers a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, helping employees save more for retirement.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the AvalonBay Communities 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the AvalonBay Communities 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

When can employees of AvalonBay Communities enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of AvalonBay Communities can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial eligibility period, which is typically upon hire or during an open enrollment period.

What investment options are available in the AvalonBay Communities 401(k) plan?

The AvalonBay Communities 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How can employees of AvalonBay Communities access their 401(k) account information?

Employees of AvalonBay Communities can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the AvalonBay Communities 401(k) plan?

Yes, AvalonBay Communities has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines how much of the matching contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can employees of AvalonBay Communities take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of AvalonBay Communities may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

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

If you leave AvalonBay Communities, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to an IRA or another employer's plan, or cashing it out.

Are there any fees associated with the AvalonBay Communities 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the AvalonBay Communities 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment-related fees.

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

AvalonBay Communities recently announced a restructuring plan involving a reduction in workforce due to a slowdown in real estate market growth. This move aims to streamline operations and reduce costs.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for AvalonBay Communities at 4040 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22203; or by calling them at +1 703-329-6300.