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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers multiple High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) through UnitedHealthcare, with HSA contributions, dental (MetLife), vision, and wellness programs 1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, Energizers HDHPs with HSA support offer a tax-advantaged way to manage healthcare costs, especially for employees with predictable medical needs. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Energizer Holdings 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, Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 Energizer Holdings 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 savings plan does Energizer Holdings offer to its employees?

Energizer Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Energizer Holdings provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Energizer Holdings provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees of Energizer Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can employees of Energizer Holdings choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Energizer Holdings can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.

How does Energizer Holdings ensure that employees are informed about their 401(k) plan options?

Energizer Holdings provides educational materials, workshops, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan, which determines how much of the match employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can employees of Energizer Holdings take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Energizer Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Energizer Holdings?

If an employee leaves Energizer Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including cashing out, rolling it over to another retirement account, or leaving it in the Energizer Holdings plan if allowed.

Does Energizer Holdings offer any resources for retirement planning?

Yes, Energizer Holdings provides resources and tools for retirement planning, including access to financial advisors and online calculators.

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

Energizer Holdings provides its employees with a retirement plan that includes both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan, designed to help employees secure their financial future. The company offers the Energizer Holdings, Inc. Retirement Plan, which has gone through notable changes in recent years. In 2023, Energizer Holdings completed a pension plan annuity buyout, resulting in a $50.2 million recognition of unamortized actuarial losses (Energizer Holdings - Investors). For the 401(k) plan, Energizer Holdings offers a match of up to 6%, where the company matches 100% of employee contributions up to this limit. Employees can also make additional contributions beyond this match, and for employees over 50 years of age, catch-up contributions are available. The 401(k) plan is known to have typical features such as tax-deferral benefits and company contributions

Restructuring and Layoffs: Energizer Holdings has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This plan includes a reduction in workforce across several departments. The company has stated that these layoffs are necessary to improve efficiency and profitability amidst a challenging economic environment. It is crucial to follow this development due to its potential impact on employees and the overall company strategy in response to current market pressures.

Energizer Holdings offers stock options and RSUs to its executive team and key employees. The company uses the acronym SO for Stock Options and RSU for Restricted Stock Units. Specifics about these benefits are outlined in their annual proxy statements and are updated annually.

Energizer Holdings: Healthcare Benefits Information 1. Company Official Website: Website: Energizer Holdings Careers Healthcare Benefits: Energizer Holdings offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also provide a wellness program that includes various health-related resources and preventive care initiatives. 2. Glassdoor: Website: Glassdoor - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: Employees have reported access to standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Glassdoor reviews suggest that the healthcare plan is competitive but varies by location and employee level. 3. Indeed: Website: Indeed - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: According to Indeed, Energizer Holdings provides a range of healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company also offers a health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA). 4. LinkedIn: Website: LinkedIn - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: LinkedIn mentions that Energizer Holdings offers healthcare benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package. Details on specific plans or coverage are not extensively detailed but include basic medical, dental, and vision options. 5. HR & Employee Benefits Websites: Website: Payscale - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: Payscale provides information on Energizer Holdings' benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also highlight employee feedback on the quality of these benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Energizer Holdings at 533 Maryville University Dr, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63141; or by calling them at (314) 985-2000.

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