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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: DexCom offers its employees a comprehensive health insurance package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees benefit from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with company contributions, telemedicine access, and mental health support. Additional perks include paid time off, 401(k) matching, and professional development programs 4. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, DexCom 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, DexCom 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 DexCom 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 DexCom 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 retirement savings options does DexCom offer to its employees?

DexCom offers a 401(k) savings plan that allows employees to save for retirement through pre-tax and Roth contributions.

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

Yes, DexCom provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, helping employees to maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees at DexCom enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at DexCom can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What is the vesting schedule for DexCom's 401(k) matching contributions?

DexCom has a vesting schedule that typically requires employees to complete a certain number of years of service before they fully own the matching contributions.

Can DexCom employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

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

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

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

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for the DexCom 401(k) plan?

Yes, DexCom has a minimum contribution requirement for employees who wish to participate in the 401(k) plan, which is outlined in the plan documents.

How often can DexCom employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

DexCom employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at specified intervals, typically during open enrollment or at any time as allowed by the plan.

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

If you leave DexCom, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the DexCom plan, subject to certain conditions.

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

Yes, there may be fees associated with the DexCom 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment choices.

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

DexCom offers a 401(k) plan but does not currently provide a defined pension plan for its employees. The DexCom 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, and the company matches a percentage of these contributions. As of 2022, the plan's total retirement assets were over $234 million, with 5,430 participants. The plan is accessible to all full-time employees aged 21 and over, with the option to start contributing immediately upon employment. For specific terminology and detailed plan descriptions, DexCom uses standard retirement-related terms like "vesting," "deferral," and "matching contributions." The plan focuses on providing long-term savings opportunities, emphasizing employee participation and the benefits of employer matching.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, DexCom announced a restructuring plan aimed at optimizing operations and reducing costs. The company is expected to lay off approximately 5% of its workforce as part of this initiative. This move is a strategic response to the current economic uncertainties and is designed to enhance efficiency and profitability amidst fluctuating market conditions. The importance of addressing this news is heightened by the current economic environment, which is marked by inflationary pressures and changing investment dynamics. Understanding such developments is crucial for assessing the potential impact on employee benefits and job security. Company Benefits and Pension Changes: Alongside the restructuring, DexCom has also made adjustments to its benefits and pension plans. The company has modified its 401(k) match policy, reducing the employer contribution rate from 5% to 3%. Additionally, there have been changes to the pension plan, including a freeze on new pension accruals. These changes reflect broader trends in the industry where companies are reassessing their benefits structures in response to financial pressures. It is essential to monitor these developments as they affect employee retirement planning and long-term financial stability, especially in light of current tax and investment environments.

DexCom provided stock options to executives and key employees, with a four-year vesting schedule. RSUs were granted to align interests with shareholders, typically vesting over three years.

DexCom Careers Page: DexCom's official careers page provides a detailed overview of their employee benefits, including health insurance plans, wellness programs, and other related benefits. Health Insurance Plans and Benefits: Medical Insurance: DexCom offers various medical plans, including PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) options. Coverage often includes preventive care, emergency services, and specialist visits. Dental and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive dental and vision insurance plans are typically provided, covering routine check-ups, major dental work, and vision correction. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Employees can use HSAs or FSAs to manage out-of-pocket expenses with tax advantages. Telehealth Services: Access to virtual consultations and telemedicine is commonly available.