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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Elanco Animal Health Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, vision, disability, and pet insurance 8. ACA marketplace comparisons are encouraged for employees planning retirement or coverage changes. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Elanco Animal Health 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, Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health 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 Elanco Animal Health?

The 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

Does Elanco Animal Health offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Elanco Animal Health offers matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health through the company’s benefits portal during the enrollment period or after a qualifying event.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health?

To be eligible for the 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as age and length of service.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) at Elanco Animal Health?

Yes, Elanco Animal Health allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions.

What investment options are available in the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Elanco Animal Health offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to customize their investment strategy.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage to the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?

Employees at Elanco Animal Health can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to company policies.

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Elanco Animal Health?

Yes, Elanco Animal Health has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matching funds.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Elanco Animal Health?

If an employee leaves Elanco Animal Health, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the Elanco plan if eligible.

Are there any fees associated with the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Elanco Animal Health 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

Pension Plan: Elanco's pension plan is structured as a defined benefit plan, meaning that employees receive a guaranteed payout upon retirement. The exact benefits are calculated based on years of service, age at retirement, and the average of the highest earnings during a specific period. Employees need to meet certain years of service and age qualifications to be eligible for this pension plan. The plan is aimed at long-term employees, ensuring that those who dedicate a significant portion of their career to Elanco are rewarded with secure retirement income. 401(k) Plan: Elanco offers a 401(k) plan to its employees, which is part of their broader retirement savings offerings. The plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, which Elanco matches up to a certain percentage, though the exact match percentage may vary each year. The plan is designed to provide flexibility and financial security, enabling employees to manage their retirement savings effectively. The company’s 401(k) plan is part of their commitment to employee well-being, emphasizing financial benefits as a key component of their compensation package.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In August 2023, Elanco Animal Health announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency. The company planned to lay off approximately 200 employees globally as part of this restructuring. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and focus on core business areas. It's crucial to stay updated on this news due to the current economic environment, which impacts job security and corporate strategies. Understanding these changes helps employees and investors navigate the shifting landscape effectively.

Elanco Animal Health offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation and incentive programs. In 2022, the company provided stock options and RSUs to its senior executives and key employees. For 2023 and 2024, Elanco Animal Health has continued this practice, with a focus on aligning incentives with the company's performance.

Review Elanco Animal Health's official website for their health benefits information, including any recent updates or changes for 2022, 2023, or 2024. Reliable Sources: Look for specific terms and acronyms used by Elanco in their health benefits information, such as types of health plans, coverage details, and any new initiatives.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Elanco Animal Health at 2500 Innovation Way Greenfield, IN 46140; or by calling them at (877) 352-6261.

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://benefitslink.com/ https://www.federalregister.gov/ https://www.benefitspro.com/?slreturn=2024081195633 https://www.businessinsider.com/ https://www.elanco.com/en-us https://www.sec.gov/ https://pensionrights.org/ https://www.fidelity.com/ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/benefits