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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Emerson Electric: Emerson Electric primarily partners with UnitedHealthcare for its employee healthcare needs. This partnership offers a range of health plans that provide comprehensive coverage for its workforce, supporting both individual and family health requirements. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, healthcare costs for employees at Emerson Electric are poised to rise significantly due to a confluence of factors. With anticipated premium hikes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace exceeding 60% in some states, many employees could face sharp increases in their out-of-pocket costs. The expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies is expected to exacerbate the situation, potentially resulting in over 75% increases for a majority of marketplace enrollees. Consequently, it will be essential for Emerson Electric to strategize on healthcare benefits to mitigate the impact on their employees as they navigate these escalating costs. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Emerson Electric 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, Emerson Electric 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 Emerson Electric 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 Emerson Electric 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 Emerson Electric?

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

How can I enroll in the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Emerson Electric offer a company match for the 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Emerson Electric offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees to maximize their retirement savings.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan?

Generally, employees at Emerson Electric are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the employee handbook.

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

The Emerson Electric 401(k) plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the HR portal.

When can I start withdrawing from my Emerson Electric 401(k) plan?

Employees can begin withdrawing from their Emerson Electric 401(k) plan without penalties after reaching the age of 59½, subject to the plan's specific rules.

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

Yes, like most 401(k) plans, the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related expenses, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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

If you leave Emerson Electric, you have several options for your 401(k), including leaving it in the plan, rolling it over to a new employer’s plan, or cashing it out (though cashing out may incur taxes and penalties).

Is there a loan option available through the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan?

Yes, the Emerson Electric 401(k) plan may offer a loan option, allowing employees to borrow against their retirement savings under certain conditions.

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

astman Chemical offers its employees both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan under specific terms for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. Eastman's 401(k) plan, called the Eastman Investment and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (EIP), includes an automatic enrollment feature at a 7% deferral rate, which increases annually until 10%. The company offers a 50% match on every dollar contributed up to 7%, and an additional Retirement Savings Contribution (RSC) of 5% for eligible participants. The 401(k) plan also provides options for both traditional pre-tax and Roth contributions, giving employees flexibility in tax treatment (MyEastmanBenefits). Eastman Chemical's pension plan is part of a defined benefit structure. As of 2022, the company’s U.S. pension plan had assets totaling $1.798 billion, with projected benefit obligations of $2.05 billion, providing a funding ratio of 87.7%. The plan includes provisions for service-based accruals, where the formula incorporates years of service and age requirements to determine eligibility

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Emerson Electric announced a significant restructuring effort aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This included a reduction in workforce by approximately 5% as part of a broader initiative to cut costs and enhance profitability. The restructuring was a strategic response to challenges in the market and aimed to position the company for future growth. It is important to address this news given the current economic climate, where companies are actively restructuring to navigate financial pressures and shifting market demands. This restructuring also reflects broader trends in the industry where firms are adjusting their operations to remain competitive.

Emerson Electric offered stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its incentive compensation plan. Stock options were granted to executives and senior management, while RSUs were made available to a broader group, including mid-level managers. This structure was designed to align employee interests with company performance.

2022: Emerson Electric’s health benefits typically include medical, dental, and vision coverage. They offer a range of plan options, including high-deductible health plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). 2023: Continued emphasis on wellness programs, mental health support, and preventive care. Updates may include adjustments to plan options or coverage levels. 2024: Expect improvements in telemedicine services and additional mental health resources. Enhanced wellness programs are likely part of their benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Emerson Electric at 8000 West Florissant Avenue St. Louis, MO 63136; or by calling them at (314) 553-2000.

https://www.thelayoff.com/#google_vignette https://pensionrights.org/ https://www.emerson.com/global