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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Henry Schein Henry Schein, Inc. is recognized as the world's largest provider of healthcare solutions for office-based dental and medical practitioners. The company distributes a wide range of products, including dental and medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals, making it a key player in the healthcare market. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As 2026 approaches, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, particularly for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Record premium hikes are expected, with some states eyeing increases exceeding 60%. This steep rise is primarily driven by escalating medical costs, the looming expiration of federal premium subsidies, and aggressive rate increases from major insurers. Without action from Congress to extend these enhanced subsidies, many enrollees may face out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75%, transforming healthcare affordability into a critical issue for millions. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Henry Schein 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, Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Henry Schein?

The purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Henry Schein is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and potentially catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan.

Does Henry Schein offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Henry Schein offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the Henry Schein 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Henry Schein’s matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the contributions over a specified period.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Henry Schein?

Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balance at Henry Schein, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

The Henry Schein 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically change their contribution amounts in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified by the plan’s rules.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Henry Schein?

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

Are there any fees associated with the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Henry Schein 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

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: Henry Schein Pension Plan Years of Service/Age Qualification: 10 years of service or age 55 with 5 years of service Pension Formula: Final average pay multiplied by years of service 401(k) Plan: Henry Schein 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees over 21 years of age and have completed 1 year of service Company Match: 50% match on the first 6% of contributions

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Henry Schein announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining its global operations. This decision led to a reduction in workforce by approximately 5% to align with the company's new focus on digital transformation and expanded healthcare services. This restructuring is part of a broader effort to optimize performance and adapt to evolving market conditions. Importance: Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic climate and investment environment. Companies are continuously adapting to market changes, which impacts their workforce and operational strategies. Keeping informed about such developments helps stakeholders understand the broader implications for investment and economic stability.

Henry Schein offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation packages. In 2022, Henry Schein provided stock options under the acronym "SO" and RSUs under "RSU" to eligible employees, including executives and key personnel. These options and units are intended to align employee interests with company performance and long-term goals. [Source: Henry Schein Annual Report 2022, Page 47]

Healthcare Benefits (2023/2024): Henry Schein offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide health insurance through major providers, and the plans often include wellness programs, preventative care, and employee assistance programs (EAP). They also offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs).

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

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