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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Grocery Outlet Holding Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Grocery Outlet Holding: Grocery Outlet Holding is known to partner with several healthcare providers to offer health benefits to its employees. While specific providers may vary by location and plan options, common healthcare partners often include national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and Cigna, among others. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly for Grocery Outlet Holding employees, primarily driven by record increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace premiums. With reports indicating that some states are anticipating premium hikes of over 60%, employees could face out-of-pocket premium increases exceeding 75% due to the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Additionally, rising medical costs and inflationary pressures further complicate the healthcare landscape, spotlighting the need for careful financial planning among employees at Grocery Outlet as they navigate these impending changes. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Grocery Outlet Holding 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, Grocery Outlet Holding 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 Grocery Outlet Holding 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 Grocery Outlet Holding 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 retirement savings plan does Grocery Outlet Holding offer to its employees?

Grocery Outlet Holding offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Grocery Outlet Holding match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Grocery Outlet Holding provides a matching contribution to employee contributions within the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Grocery Outlet Holding's 401(k) plan?

Employees of Grocery Outlet Holding are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically 30 days.

Can Grocery Outlet Holding employees make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, employees at Grocery Outlet Holding can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts, reducing their taxable income.

What types of investment options are available in Grocery Outlet Holding's 401(k) plan?

Grocery Outlet Holding's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

How often can Grocery Outlet Holding employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Grocery Outlet Holding can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to plan rules.

Is there a vesting schedule for Grocery Outlet Holding's 401(k) matching contributions?

Yes, Grocery Outlet Holding has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for Grocery Outlet Holding's 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for Grocery Outlet Holding's 401(k) plan is determined by IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can Grocery Outlet Holding employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Grocery Outlet Holding allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to Grocery Outlet Holding employees' 401(k) accounts if they leave the company?

If Grocery Outlet Holding employees leave the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) funds to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Grocery Outlet Holding plan if permitted.

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

Grocery Outlet Holding Employee Pension and 401(k) Plan Information Pension Plan Information: Name of Pension Plan: Grocery Outlet Holding does not offer a traditional pension plan. Instead, they provide a 401(k) plan as their primary retirement benefit. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Not applicable as Grocery Outlet Holding does not have a traditional pension plan. 401(k) Plan Information: Name of 401(k) Plan: Grocery Outlet Holding 401(k) Plan Eligibility for 401(k) Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in the Grocery Outlet Holding 401(k) Plan after completing 30 days of service. Contribution Details: Employees can make pre-tax and/or Roth contributions. Grocery Outlet Holding provides a matching contribution of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Grocery Outlet Holding announced a strategic restructuring aimed at streamlining operations. This included the closure of underperforming locations and a reduction in workforce. The company's decision was influenced by the need to adapt to changing market conditions and rising operational costs. The restructuring is crucial for investors and employees to follow given the current economic and investment environment, as it reflects broader trends in retail and operational efficiency. Company Benefits and 401(k) Changes: Grocery Outlet has been adjusting its employee benefits package to remain competitive in the market. In 2024, the company updated its 401(k) plan to include better matching contributions and investment options. These changes are part of a broader effort to enhance employee retention and satisfaction amidst economic uncertainties. Understanding these changes is important as they impact financial planning for employees and can affect overall job satisfaction and retention rates.

Stock Options and RSUs at Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.: Grocery Outlet Holding provides RSUs to both employees and non-employee directors. The RSUs vest over a twelve-month period or immediately upon a Change in Control (CIC). Non-employee directors receive RSUs annually, with the value typically set at $125,000, converted into shares based on the fair market value on the grant date (Grocery Outlet) (SEC.gov). Stock options and RSUs are part of a broader incentive strategy under their 2019 Incentive Plan, making these benefits available to eligible employees and directors. Directors can also defer their compensation into Deferred Stock Units (DSUs), which are later settled in company stock (Justia).

Financial and Business News Websites: Sites like Bloomberg, Reuters, and CNBC may have articles related to employee benefits. HR and Benefits Websites: Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, or PayScale might have employee reviews or reports on benefits. Industry News Sites: Sites focused on retail or grocery industry news might have relevant articles. Regulatory and Compliance Sites: Information from the Department of Labor or similar entities might provide insights into recent changes or trends in employee benefits. Health Benefits Information for Grocery Outlet Holding 1. Official Website Grocery Outlet's Careers Page: The benefits section on their official careers page provides a general overview of their health benefits. They offer health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Specific plans and providers may vary based on location and employment status. 2. Business and Financial News Websites Bloomberg: Recent articles on Bloomberg about Grocery Outlet did not highlight significant changes in health benefits. However, they cover general employment trends which might indirectly affect benefits. Reuters: Reuters articles also didn't focus on health benefits specifically but covered financial and operational aspects of Grocery Outlet. CNBC: CNBC reports on Grocery Outlet mainly focus on financial performance and strategic moves rather than detailed employee benefits. 3. HR and Benefits Websites Glassdoor: Reviews from current and former employees on Glassdoor suggest that Grocery Outlet offers standard health benefits, but specifics like plan details or coverage levels are not deeply discussed in employee reviews. Indeed: On Indeed, employees mention that Grocery Outlet provides health insurance, but there are limited details on the comprehensiveness of the coverage. 4. Industry News Sites Retail Dive: Articles on Retail Dive focus more on industry trends and less on specific company benefits. They may occasionally mention employee satisfaction related to benefits in broader articles. Progressive Grocer: Reports on Progressive Grocer primarily discuss industry trends and retail strategies, with occasional mentions of employee benefits in context. 5. Regulatory and Compliance Sites Department of Labor: The U.S. Department of Labor provides general information on health benefits regulations which affect all companies, including Grocery Outlet. This includes information on ACA compliance and other federal regulations that impact employee health benefits.

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

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/GO/?p=GO https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://www.pensions.org/ https://www.benefitspro.com/ https://progressivegrocer.com/ https://www.retaildive.com/ https://www.dol.gov/ https://www.indeed.com/ https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm https://pensionrights.org/