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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Comfort Systems USA Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Comfort Systems USA: Comfort Systems USA employs a range of healthcare providers to support its workforce, often partnering with major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer coverage that suits its employees' needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to surge dramatically, particularly for members utilizing Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Preliminary reports indicate that average premium increases may reach as high as 75% for many enrollees, driven by escalating medical expenses and the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies. These developments could significantly affect Comfort Systems USA employees, placing a greater financial burden on those who rely on marketplace insurance plans, thereby necessitating proactive financial planning to manage health expenses effectively. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Comfort Systems USA 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, Comfort Systems USA 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 Comfort Systems USA 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 Comfort Systems USA 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 type of retirement plan does Comfort Systems USA offer to its employees?

Comfort Systems USA offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Comfort Systems USA enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Comfort Systems USA can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment form provided by the HR department or through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Comfort Systems USA match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Comfort Systems USA offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Comfort Systems USA?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Comfort Systems USA is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

When can employees at Comfort Systems USA start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Comfort Systems USA can start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, typically within the first few months of employment.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Comfort Systems USA?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Comfort Systems USA, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can employees of Comfort Systems USA take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Comfort Systems USA may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Comfort Systems USA 401(k) plan?

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

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Comfort Systems USA 401(k) plan?

Employees at Comfort Systems USA can typically change their contribution amounts on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Comfort Systems USA?

If an employee leaves Comfort Systems USA, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out, subject to tax implications.

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

Comfort Systems USA provides a comprehensive 401(k) plan and employee pension benefits to help support the financial wellness of their workforce. Their 401(k) plan is managed by Prudential and offers employees the opportunity to save for retirement with pre-tax contributions. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the company matches up to 50% of employee contributions up to the first 5%, with full vesting after five years of service (Comfort Systems USA). The plan is designed to support long-term financial growth, allowing employees to choose from a variety of investment options tailored to their risk profiles (Comfort Systems USA). Comfort Systems USA also offers an employee pension plan, but details on the specific pension formula or the name of the plan were not disclosed publicly in the reviewed sources. However, eligibility for their retirement plans typically requires several years of service, with full access granted after meeting vesting requirements.

Restructuring Layoffs: Comfort Systems USA has not explicitly reported significant layoffs in 2023-2024. However, the company has been focusing on optimizing its operations and reducing costs, as indicated by the improvement in its financial performance. Despite these measures, the company has maintained strong growth in revenues and profits, which suggests that any workforce adjustments have been managed strategically without substantial public disclosures.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Comfort Systems USA continued to provide these equity-based incentives, aligning with their strong financial performance over these years. The stock options typically have vesting periods that are linked to performance metrics and tenure. RSUs, on the other hand, are often granted to top executives and are tied to both company performance and continued service. The most recent filings show that stock options and RSUs are primarily available to senior management and directors at Comfort Systems USA. For example, in 2024, multiple directors and top executives exercised their stock options, reflecting the company's robust stock performance during this period (Comfort Systems USA) (Comfort Systems USA) (MarketBeat). The specifics of these stock options and RSUs are detailed in Comfort Systems USA’s financial reports and SEC filings, including the exact terms of vesting and any associated performance conditions. The reports from 2022, 2023, and 2024 confirm that these equity incentives remain a key part of the company’s compensation strategy, helping to retain top talent and align their interests with those of shareholders.

Comfort Systems USA offers a range of health benefits tailored to the needs of its employees. For 2022, 2023, and 2024, they have continued to focus on providing comprehensive health coverage options, including three different levels of health insurance plans that employees can choose from based on their personal or family needs. These plans are designed to offer flexibility and are a significant part of the company’s commitment to employee well-being. In addition to traditional health insurance, Comfort Systems USA also provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers confidential support for various personal issues, including emotional, financial, and legal concerns. This program is a critical part of their benefits package, emphasizing the holistic health of employees, which includes mental and financial health alongside physical well-being. Recent trends in employee benefits, such as those outlined in the 2024 Employee Health & Benefits Trends report by Marsh McLennan, indicate that companies like Comfort Systems USA are increasingly focusing on whole-person health. This trend reflects a broader industry movement towards benefits that support not just physical health but also mental and financial health, aligning with the evolving expectations of a diverse workforce.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Comfort Systems USA at 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77057; or by calling them at (713) 830-9600.

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