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

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Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Hilton Worldwide Holdings Employees Be Affected?

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hilton Worldwide Holdings Hilton Worldwide Holdings generally offers its employees health insurance through various national insurers. The specifics of the healthcare provider may vary by location; however, major players like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna are often involved in providing employee health benefits within their workforce. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, Hilton Worldwide Holdings may face significant healthcare cost increases, mirroring broader trends expected across the nation. Record hikes in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are anticipated, with some markets seeing jumps beyond 60%, as projected by industry analysis. Coupled with the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, these changes could lead many employees to experience a notable rise in out-of-pocket expenses for their health insurance, challenging employee wellness and financial stability. Increased medical costs, compounded by competitive pressures on insurance providers, are expected to exacerbate this financial strain for both Hilton and its employees. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Hilton Worldwide Holdings 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, Hilton Worldwide Holdings 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 Hilton Worldwide Holdings 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 Hilton Worldwide Holdings 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 Hilton's retirement plan support employees as they transition into retirement, and what specific features or benefits does Hilton offer to ensure a smooth and financially secure retirement?

Hilton's retirement plan provides comprehensive support to employees transitioning into retirement by offering a mix of defined contribution plans and 401(k) plans. These plans include employer matching contributions to help employees save for retirement. Hilton also emphasizes financial education and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings effectively, aiming to ensure a smooth transition and long-term financial security.

What eligibility criteria must employees meet to participate in Hilton's retirement plan, and how do these criteria differ for various employee classifications such as full-time, part-time, and management positions at Hilton?

Eligibility criteria for Hilton's retirement plan vary depending on the employee classification. Full-time employees are typically eligible for the 401(k) plan after a defined waiting period, often based on service tenure. Part-time employees and those in management positions may have different eligibility thresholds or contribution limits, reflecting their specific job classifications and employment status.

Can you provide an overview of the investment options available within Hilton's retirement savings plan, and how do these options cater to employees with varying risk tolerances and investment strategies?

Investment options within Hilton's retirement savings plan are designed to cater to employees with varying risk tolerances and investment strategies. The plan typically includes a range of mutual funds, including conservative, moderate, and aggressive portfolios, allowing employees to customize their investments based on their financial goals and risk preferences.

How does Hilton's retirement plan handle the issue of vesting, and what are the implications for employees who leave the company before they are fully vested in their retirement benefits?

Vesting in Hilton's retirement plan ensures that employees gradually earn rights to employer contributions. If an employee leaves the company before being fully vested, they may forfeit a portion of these contributions. The vesting schedule incentivizes long-term employment, and typically, employees are fully vested after a set number of years.

In terms of healthcare benefits during retirement, what assistance does Hilton provide to retirees, and how do these benefits integrate with Medicare or other health plans?

Healthcare benefits during retirement at Hilton often include assistance through retiree health insurance plans, which may integrate with Medicare once employees reach eligibility age. These benefits help retirees cover healthcare costs that Medicare may not fully cover, ensuring continued access to necessary medical care.

What resources does Hilton offer to assist employees in understanding their pension and retirement benefits, and are there any education programs or seminars available to help employees plan for retirement?

Resources for retirement planning at Hilton include educational programs, online tools, and seminars that help employees understand their pension and retirement benefits. Hilton also offers access to retirement planning professionals to assist employees in making informed decisions about their financial futures.

How does Hilton communicate changes or updates to the retirement plan, and what channels are available for employees to stay informed about their benefits as they approach retirement?

Communication about changes to Hilton's retirement plan is conducted through multiple channels, including internal newsletters, online employee portals, and direct email notifications. Employees are encouraged to regularly check these platforms to stay updated on any modifications to their benefits as they approach retirement.

Can you elaborate on how Hilton's retirement benefits compare to industry standards, and what measures are taken to ensure that Hilton remains competitive in attracting and retaining talent?

Hilton's retirement benefits are competitive within the hospitality industry, with generous employer contributions, a variety of investment options, and robust healthcare support for retirees. These benefits help Hilton attract and retain top talent by offering financial security and comprehensive retirement support.

How can employees reach out to Hilton's HR department or benefits specialists for more information regarding their retirement options, and what is the best way for them to initiate this contact?

Employees can contact Hilton's HR department or benefits specialists directly through the company's internal communication channels, such as email or phone support, to inquire about retirement options. Initiating contact with HR allows employees to receive personalized guidance on their retirement benefits and planning.

What role do financial advisors or retirement planning professionals play in guiding Hilton employees through their retirement planning process, and how accessible are these resources to staff at various levels within the company?

Financial advisors and retirement planning professionals are accessible to Hilton employees at all levels, providing expert guidance on managing retirement savings. These resources are available through Hilton's partnership with third-party financial planning services, ensuring that employees can develop personalized retirement strategies.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings offers comprehensive employee benefits, including both a 401(k) plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Hilton's 401(k) plan allows eligible employees to contribute to their retirement savings, with the company providing a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary. The plan is available to full-time and part-time employees after one year of service. In addition to the 401(k), Hilton offers a traditional pension plan for employees hired before a certain cutoff date. This defined benefit plan considers the employee's years of service and final average earnings to calculate the pension benefit​ (HAContent)​ (How I Got The Job). The specific Hilton Worldwide Holdings 401(k) plan is called the Hilton Retirement Savings Program, while the defined benefit pension plan is referred to as the Hilton Hotels Retirement Plan. The pension plan requires at least five years of service for employees to be fully vested, and the pension formula is based on final average pay. The plan details and eligibility criteria, including the retirement age and pension calculation formula, are outlined in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) document for Hilton employees. Employees who meet the age and service requirements can receive a retirement income based on a predetermined formula, ensuring a stable financial future after retirement​ (
Hilton Worldwide Holdings has recently undergone restructuring efforts aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. The company announced a series of strategic layoffs in various departments to realign its workforce with evolving business needs. This move is part of Hilton’s broader initiative to optimize its organizational structure and reduce costs.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings offers stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation package. Stock options allow employees to purchase shares at a fixed price, while RSUs are company shares given to employees, typically vesting over time. The specific details and availability of these benefits can vary depending on the employee's role and tenure with Hilton Worldwide Holdings. Hilton Worldwide Holdings typically grants stock options and RSUs to executives and high-level employees. These benefits are designed to align employees' interests with shareholder interests and reward long-term service. For 2022, Hilton Worldwide Holdings provided stock options and RSUs primarily to senior management and certain key contributors. Details on vesting schedules and grant sizes were outlined in their annual reports. In 2023 and 2024, Hilton Worldwide Holdings continued to offer stock options and RSUs, with updated plans reflecting changes in performance metrics and market conditions. These plans are documented in their annual proxy statements and financial reports.
Hilton provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. They offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The company covers preventive care at 100% and provides access to a variety of wellness programs.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Hilton Worldwide Holdings at , ; or by calling them at .

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