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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Dick's Sporting Goods Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods collaborates with various health insurance providers to offer healthcare benefits to its employees. Notably, UnitedHealthcare is among the primary healthcare providers for the company, offering various plans that cater to the diverse needs of its workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, significant healthcare cost increases loom for Dick's Sporting Goods employees and retirees. With the anticipated expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, individuals could face out-of-pocket premium hikes of over 75%. This dramatic shift is compounded by rising medical costs driven by inflation and a surge in demand for healthcare services, particularly in behavioral health. In states like New York, some insurers are requesting premium increases upwards of 66%, signaling a challenging year ahead for those relying on employer-sponsored insurance and ACA plans. As such, it is essential for employees to plan proactively to mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Dick's Sporting Goods 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, Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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 Dick's Sporting Goods 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 savings plan does Dick's Sporting Goods offer to its employees?

Dick's Sporting Goods offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for retirement.

Does Dick's Sporting Goods match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plans, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Dick's Sporting Goods' 401(k) plan?

Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods typically become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, usually within the first year of employment.

How can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What investment options are available in the Dick's Sporting Goods 401(k) plan?

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

Can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Dick's Sporting Goods?

If you leave Dick's Sporting Goods, you can roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Dick's Sporting Goods plan if eligible.

Is there a vesting schedule for the 401(k) matching contributions at Dick's Sporting Goods?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How often can employees at Dick's Sporting Goods change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules.

Does Dick's Sporting Goods provide financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Dick's Sporting Goods offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

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

Dick's Sporting Goods offers a comprehensive retirement plan through the Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. Smart Savings 401(k) Plan. This plan is a defined contribution plan that allows employees to defer part of their compensation into the plan. Employees at Dick's Sporting Goods can contribute a portion of their earnings to the 401(k), which is matched by the company. This plan is typically available to all eligible employees who are 21 years of age or older, with specific eligibility and vesting rules depending on the years of service and the role within the company (YCharts). The pension plan details are integrated within the company's expense reporting, covering historical data on pension and employee expenses. While specific details about the pension formulas and age qualifications for eligibility in recent years are less explicitly outlined in publicly available documents, the company has consistently reported quarterly expenses related to pension and employee benefits. These figures suggest ongoing commitments to retirement benefits

Restructuring & Layoffs: In early 2024, Dick's Sporting Goods announced a restructuring plan involving a significant reduction in corporate office staff. This decision was influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties and changing consumer behavior. The company aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in response to fluctuating market demands. Company Benefit Changes: As part of the restructuring, Dick's Sporting Goods adjusted several employee benefits. Changes include modifications to health insurance plans and adjustments to the company's 401k matching contributions. These updates were made to align with the company’s new financial strategy and to ensure sustainability amidst economic challenges. Pension & 401k Changes: Dick's Sporting Goods has also made changes to its pension plan. The company has shifted from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan, impacting long-term retirement benefits for employees. Additionally, the 401k matching percentage was revised, reflecting the company's need to manage expenses more effectively in the current economic climate. Importance of Addressing This News: It is crucial to stay informed about these developments due to the current economic and investment climate, as well as ongoing political and tax changes. Understanding these changes helps employees navigate their financial planning and adjust to potential impacts on their retirement savings and benefits.

2022:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods offered stock options to executives and certain employees as part of their compensation package. The stock options typically have a vesting period and are tied to performance metrics. RSUs: Restricted Stock Units were granted to senior management and key employees. RSUs generally vest over a period of time, often tied to continued employment or specific performance goals. 2023:Stock Options: In 2023, Dick's Sporting Goods continued to provide stock options to its senior leadership team and other designated employees. The options were designed to align employee interests with company performance. RSUs: RSUs were granted based on performance targets and time-based vesting schedules. They were available to high-level employees and those with critical roles. 2024:Stock Options: Dick's Sporting Goods expanded the eligibility for stock options in 2024 to include mid-level management. This aimed to incentivize broader employee participation. RSUs: The company issued RSUs as part of a long-term incentive plan, with a focus on retaining top talent and rewarding performance. Eligibility extended to executives and select high-performing employees.

Dick's Sporting Goods Careers Information to look for: Benefits section, employee health benefits, recent updates on healthcare policies. Employee reviews and posts related to health benefits, updates shared by employees or HR. Employee reviews focusing on health benefits, recent updates, and changes in healthcare plans. Employee reviews, specific comments about health benefits, and updates on healthcare plans.

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Dick's Sporting Goods employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dick's Sporting Goods at 345 Court St Coraopolis, PA 15108; or by calling them at (724) 273-3400.

https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQH1WtPbECuBZgAAAZE8cD-4Oa1h68tYIHtEN_PUJ_GvKSd1xXeuCtQoTOOm6ike2mqh8LVXbiOGTkFvwwC8N34kSH_C8j75VIpLmq8X_qdEHLb1hoIb3S8741g_0D3YIN64kds=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fdick-s-sporting-goods https://www.dickssportinggoods.jobs/ https://www.pbgc.gov/