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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: For Gannett, the healthcare provider is UnitedHealthcare, which has been affiliated with the company and serves its employees. In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise substantially, with many states experiencing dramatic premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. With the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, more than 22 million Americans could face out-of-pocket premium hikes exceeding 75%. Contributing factors include escalating medical costs, projected increases in provider reimbursements, and aggressive rate hikes from major insurers, resulting in an overall perfect storm pushing affordability beyond reach for many families. As these factors coalesce, it's crucial for Gannett employees and ACA marketplace enrollees to stay informed and consider their healthcare options carefully for the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Gannett 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, Gannett 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 Gannett 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 Gannett 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.).

How does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan ensure that members are informed about their pension benefits, and what steps should an employee take to understand their earned Pension Credits within this Plan?

Member Information on Pension Credits: Members are informed about their pension benefits and earned Pension Credits through an annual statement provided by the Board of Trustees. This statement includes details about years of service, vesting status, and accrued Pension Credits. Members are encouraged to keep their contact information updated to ensure they receive all pertinent information.

In what ways are the contribution rates structured under The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan, and how do these rates impact the monthly benefits that members receive upon retirement?

Contribution Rates Structure: The pension contributions by employers are structured based on collective bargaining agreements. These contributions are pivotal in determining the monthly benefits members receive upon retirement. The rate of contributions, along with the number of years of service and accumulated Pension Credits, directly influences the calculation of retirement benefits.

Can you elaborate on the different types of pensions offered by The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan, including the eligibility criteria and the benefits associated with each type?

Types of Pensions Offered: The plan offers several types of pensions: Regular Pension, Early Pension, Disability Pension, and Deferred Pension. Each type has specific eligibility criteria: Regular Pension is available upon reaching Normal Retirement Age, generally age 65. Early Pension can be taken from age 55, provided certain service and Pension Credit conditions are met. Disability Pension is awarded if a member becomes disabled as per the plan's criteria and Social Security Administration’s confirmation. Deferred Pension applies if a member leaves employment after vesting but before qualifying for early or regular pension.

How does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan address the calculation of pensions for members who have participated in more than one pension contribution plan, and what specific guidelines govern these calculations?

Multiple Pension Plans Participation: If a member has participated in more than one pension contribution plan, their pensions are calculated by taking into account all the Pension Credits accumulated across different plans. Specific guidelines ensure that the benefits from all plans are integrated correctly to reflect total earnings and contributions.

What implications does the merger of the NewsGuild-CWA Adjustable Pension Plan into The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan have for current and future pension benefits for employees covered under both plans?

Implications of Plan Mergers: The merger of the NewsGuild-CWA Adjustable Pension Plan into The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan ensured that no accrued benefits were reduced. All benefits from the merged plan are honored, with provisions made to integrate the benefits and maintain the financial integrity of the merged plan.

How should an employee of The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan respond if they experience a change in employment status that may affect their pension eligibility and what steps do they need to take to maintain their benefits?

Change in Employment Status: Members experiencing a change in employment status that might affect their pension eligibility should immediately notify the plan administrators. Steps include reviewing the impact on their Pension Credits and adjusting their retirement planning accordingly.

In the event of an employeeâ€™s death, what provisions are made under The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan for survivor benefits, and how can family members navigate the process of claiming these benefits?

Provisions for Survivor Benefits: In case of a member’s death, the plan provides survivor benefits to the spouse or domestic partner. These benefits are structured based on the type of pension the member was receiving or entitled to receive, ensuring ongoing support for the beneficiaries.

How does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan define what constitutes "disqualifying employment," and what are the consequences for a member if they engage in such employment before reaching normal retirement age?

Disqualifying Employment Definition: Disqualifying employment under The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan refers to any job that might affect a member's pension benefits if engaged in before reaching the normal retirement age. Engaging in such employment could potentially suspend or reduce pension benefits.

What resources does The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan provide for employees seeking assistance with their pension plans, and who specifically should they contact for detailed inquiries regarding their benefits?

Resources for Assistance: Members seeking assistance with their pension plans are encouraged to contact the Board of Trustees directly. The plan’s office provides detailed inquiries and support regarding benefit calculations, eligibility, and other pension-related questions.

How can an employee contact The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan for further information about their pension benefits, and what specific inquiries should they be prepared to discuss during their interaction with the Office?

Contacting for Further Information: Members can contact The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan office via provided contact details for further information about their pension benefits. When interacting with the office, members should be prepared to discuss their employment history, Pension Credit details, and any specific questions about their retirement benefits.

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 Name: Identify the name of Gannett’s pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Determine the requirements for eligibility in terms of years of service and age. Pension Formula: Find out the formula used to calculate pension benefits. Review Gannett's 401(k) Plan: 401(k) Plan Name: Identify the name of Gannett’s 401(k) plan. Eligibility: Determine who qualifies for participation in the 401(k) plan. Gannett Employee Pension Plan

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Gannett, the publisher of USA Today, announced a series of layoffs and restructuring efforts aimed at reducing operational costs. The company faced significant financial challenges due to declining print advertising revenues and increased digital competition. Gannett's workforce reduction strategy was part of a broader plan to streamline operations and focus on digital transformation. The move also involved consolidating regional newsrooms and reducing staff in various departments to improve overall efficiency. This restructuring is crucial to address, given the current economic climate where media companies are grappling with shifting revenue models and increasing operational costs. Benefits, Pensions, and 401(k) Changes: In response to these challenges, Gannett made adjustments to its employee benefits, including changes to its pension plan and 401(k) offerings. The company revised its pension benefits, moving to a more streamlined defined contribution plan, and made modifications to its 401(k) match program. These changes reflect the broader trend of companies reassessing their retirement benefits in light of economic pressures and the evolving investment landscape. For employees and retirees, understanding these adjustments is essential, given the current investment environment and the impact of such changes on long-term financial planning.

Gannett provided stock options and RSUs primarily to executives and senior management. The options are typically granted as part of the annual compensation review and vest over a period of time, usually four years. Gannett uses RSUs to retain and motivate key employees, with the vesting schedule commonly tied to performance and tenure. (Source: Gannett 2022 Annual Report, p. 32)

Visit Gannett’s official website to check for health benefits information. Employee Benefits Websites: Look at websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, or LinkedIn for employee reviews and insights into their health benefits. News Outlets: Search reputable news websites like Reuters, Bloomberg, or CNBC for recent news regarding Gannett’s health benefits and any changes in healthcare offerings. Industry Reports: Review industry-specific reports or publications for detailed information on Gannett’s employee benefits. Benefit-focused Websites: Check websites that focus specifically on employee benefits, such as BenefitsPro or Employee Benefit News. Search Results for Gannett's Health Benefits Information: Gannett Official Website: Benefits Overview: Gannett offers a variety of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They also provide wellness programs and employee assistance programs (EAP). Acronyms: Common acronyms include EAP (Employee Assistance Program), HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan), and FSA (Flexible Spending Account). Glassdoor: Employee Reviews: Employees have reported that Gannett’s health benefits include competitive health insurance plans, but some have noted concerns about high premiums and limited coverage options. Acronyms: Employees often mention PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HSA (Health Savings Account). Indeed: Employee Insights: Reviews suggest that Gannett offers standard health benefits with options for dental and vision care. Some employees have commented on the variability of benefits depending on job role and tenure.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Gannett at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.businessinsider.com/ https://www.forbes.com/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/business/media/gannett-local-news-sale.html https://pensionrights.org/ https://www.forbes.com/ https://www.fidelity.com/ https://nb.fidelity.com/public/nb/gannett/home