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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Etsy provides health insurance through UnitedHealthcare, covering 100% of premiums for employees and dependents. Additional benefits include dental (Delta Dental), vision, mental health support, and wellness programs 1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, Etsys fully covered plans offer a strong buffer against market volatility, making employer-sponsored coverage significantly more cost-effective Click here to learn more

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

Etsy offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

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

Yes, Etsy provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Etsy employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Etsy are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically outlined in the employee handbook.

Can Etsy employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Etsy employees can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their retirement goals.

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

Etsy has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

How can Etsy employees access their 401(k) account information?

Etsy employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

Are there any fees associated with managing Etsy's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Etsy's 401(k) plan, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.

Can Etsy employees take loans from their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Etsy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan guidelines.

What happens to an Etsy employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

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

Does Etsy provide financial education resources related to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Etsy 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.

Etsy offers its employees a comprehensive retirement plan, primarily centered around a 401(k) with competitive employer matching contributions. Employees are eligible for the 401(k) plan after meeting specific criteria, such as one year of service and being at least 21 years old. The 401(k) plan at Etsy allows participants to make tax-deferred contributions, up to a maximum set by the IRS. For the year 2024, this limit is $23,000, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and over (Investopedia) (CapitalGroup NACG). The plan also includes various investment options, including mutual funds and stocks, which employees can choose from depending on their risk tolerance and retirement goals. Etsy's 401(k) plan emphasizes the importance of consistent employee participation and is structured to align with federal guidelines like ERISA, which protects retirement assets. Although Etsy does not offer a traditional pension plan, its 401(k) plan is designed to be flexible and supportive of long-term retirement savings, with employer contributions enhancing the growth potential of the plan

Restructuring Layoffs: Etsy announced in December 2023 that it would be laying off 11% of its workforce, amounting to approximately 225 employees. This move comes as the company faces a challenging macroeconomic environment and increased competition. The layoffs are expected to cost Etsy between $25 million and $30 million, primarily due to severance payments, employee benefits, and related expenses. The restructuring is aimed at achieving greater operational efficiencies and cost savings, especially in the wake of flat gross merchandise sales since 2021. Additionally, Etsy has made significant changes to its executive team, including the departure of its Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, with their responsibilities being redistributed among existing executives.

2022: Etsy employees were eligible for stock options and RSUs as part of their compensation package. Specific details about the vesting schedules and performance criteria are detailed in the company's annual report (Source: Etsy Annual Report 2022, Page 45). 2023: Etsy continued offering stock options and RSUs to its employees. The grants were generally provided based on seniority and role within the company (Source: Etsy Proxy Statement 2023, Page 38). 2024: In 2024, Etsy maintained its stock option and RSU programs. Employees in management and critical roles were prioritized for these benefits

1. Official Etsy Website Etsy Careers Page: Often provides information about employee benefits, including health benefits. Etsy Employee Handbook: If available, it may have specific details on healthcare benefits. 2. Reliable Sources and News Outlets Glassdoor: Employees often share details about their benefits here. Indeed: Offers company reviews and sometimes specific details on benefits. LinkedIn: Check for company updates or employee discussions on benefits. Forbes: May provide news or articles about employee benefits. Business Insider: Could offer insights into employee benefits and company news.