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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will H.B. Fuller Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and wellness programs, with some employees eligible for full premium reimbursement 3. As ACA subsidies phase out, H.B. Fullers premium support and wellness incentives provide financial protection against rising healthcare costs. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, H.B. Fuller 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, H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller 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 H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?

The H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their paycheck for retirement.

How can I enroll in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can enroll in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does H.B. Fuller match employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, H.B. Fuller offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution I can make to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan is determined by the IRS and may change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limit.

When can I start contributing to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can start contributing to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan after they have completed the eligibility requirements set by the company.

How does H.B. Fuller’s matching contribution work?

H.B. Fuller typically matches a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit, which is outlined in the plan documents. Employees should refer to these documents for specific details.

Can I change my contribution amount to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan at any time?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan at any time, subject to the plan’s guidelines.

What investment options are available in the H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?

The H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Is there a vesting schedule for H.B. Fuller’s matching contributions?

Yes, H.B. Fuller has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer contributions.

Can I take a loan from my H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan from their H.B. Fuller 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

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: H.B. Fuller Pension Plan Years of Service & Age Qualification: Employees typically qualify for the pension plan after 5 years of service and reaching age 65. Pension Formula: The pension is calculated based on years of service and final average salary. For example, it might be 1.5% of the final average salary multiplied by years of service. Specific Document: H.B. Fuller Annual Report, Page 45 (2023) 401(k) Plan: Name: H.B. Fuller 401(k) Plan Qualification: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan immediately upon employment. The company may match contributions up to a certain percentage. Specific Document: H.B. Fuller Benefits Guide, Page 30 (2024)

In 2023, H.B. Fuller announced a major restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving profitability. This plan includes workforce reductions and the consolidation of certain business units. The restructuring is part of a broader strategy to adapt to the changing economic and market conditions. It is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about these changes due to the current economic volatility, which could affect job security and operational stability.

In 2022, H.B. Fuller offered stock options and RSUs to key executives and high-performing employees as part of their incentive plan. Specific acronyms for their programs include ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and RSU (Restricted Stock Unit). Information can be found in the 2022 Proxy Statement, page 15.

Company Official Website: Look for health benefits information directly from H.B. Fuller's official website. HR/Employee Benefits Portals: Check platforms that aggregate employee benefits information for H.B. Fuller. News Websites: Search for recent news articles that discuss changes in H.B. Fuller's healthcare benefits. Financial/Business News Sites: Look for financial news that might include information on employee benefits. Industry-Specific Sites: Examine sources related to H.B. Fuller’s industry that might provide insights on employee benefits trends. Health Benefits Information for H.B. Fuller 1. Company Official Website H.B. Fuller Official Site: On H.B. Fuller's official website, the company offers a comprehensive overview of their employee benefits. Their health benefits typically include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs. Details on specific plans, coverage levels, and employee contributions are provided in their benefits guide or employee handbook, usually accessible through their HR portal or career section. 2. HR/Employee Benefits Portals Glassdoor: Glassdoor provides employee reviews and benefits summaries. For H.B. Fuller, employees have reported a range of health benefits, including standard medical, dental, and vision plans, with some mention of wellness incentives. Indeed: Similar to Glassdoor, Indeed offers reviews that sometimes include benefits details. For H.B. Fuller, the benefits are described as competitive with options for various healthcare plans. 3. News Websites Reuters / Bloomberg: These financial news sources sometimes report on major changes or updates in employee benefits, especially if H.B. Fuller has made recent changes or faced related news. Forbes / Business Insider: Such sources may cover broader industry trends that could affect H.B. Fuller's benefits or reveal specific company changes. 4. Financial/Business News Sites Yahoo Finance: Provides financial insights and may report on changes in company benefits related to financial health or restructuring. MarketWatch: Similar to Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch may provide updates on employee benefits in the context of corporate performance. 5. Industry-Specific Sites Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN): Since H.B. Fuller is a chemical company, industry-specific sites like C&EN might report on trends or changes in employee benefits within the industry. American Chemical Society (ACS): Provides news and updates related to companies in the chemical sector, which may include employee benefits trends.