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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Interpublic Group: The Interpublic Group partners with various healthcare providers, primarily offering health benefits through its benefits program, which includes options from major national insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. This allows employees to choose plans that best fit their needs. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to surge significantly, driven primarily by a combination of rising medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. This perfect storm could lead to average premium hikes of approximately 18% across the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, with some states witnessing increases exceeding 60%. Consequently, many consumers might see their out-of-pocket expenses escalate by over 75%, as the loss of subsidies compounds the effects of aggressive rate hikes from major insurers. As the healthcare landscape shifts, proactive planning for these impending costs will be crucial for individuals and families seeking to maintain coverage. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Interpublic Group 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, Interpublic Group 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 Interpublic Group 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 Interpublic Group 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 type of retirement savings plan does Interpublic Group offer to its employees?

Interpublic Group offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Interpublic Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Interpublic Group can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Interpublic Group provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Interpublic Group provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain conditions.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Interpublic Group?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Interpublic Group follows the IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

When can employees of Interpublic Group start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees of Interpublic Group can start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, typically within the first few months of employment.

Are there any fees associated with Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

Can employees of Interpublic Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees of Interpublic Group may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan?

Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) plan at Interpublic Group?

Employees of Interpublic Group can typically change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan’s rules.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Interpublic Group?

If an employee leaves Interpublic Group, they can either roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to tax implications.

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 Information: Identify documents or reports related to Interpublic Group’s pension plan. Locate specific details such as years of service and age qualifications, pension formulas, and the name of the pension plan. Ensure to mention the name of Interpublic Group three times in each description. 401(k) Plan Information: Find documents or reports detailing Interpublic Group’s 401(k) plan. Gather information on who qualifies for the 401(k) plan, the name of the 401(k) plan, and any specific terminology or acronyms used. Again, mention the name of Interpublic Group three times in the description.

Interpublic Group (IPG) experienced a challenging economic environment in 2023-2024, leading to restructuring efforts, which included layoffs and adjustments to employee benefits and pensions. The company focused on reducing operational costs, including salaries and related expenses, which decreased by 2.6% in the second quarter of 2024 (Interpublic Investors). These cost reductions were part of broader efforts to adapt to a tougher economic landscape, which also led to restructuring charges and other adjustments in company operations (IPG).

Interpublic Group (IPG) offers various employee stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees as part of their compensation plan. These stock options and RSUs are primarily available to senior executives and key employees as part of long-term incentive programs, aligning employee interests with shareholder returns. For 2022, 2023, and 2024, IPG's stock options are typically issued with a vesting period that spans several years. RSUs at IPG are structured similarly, with a defined vesting schedule, and recipients are awarded shares upon the completion of the vesting period. These plans are meant to retain key talent by offering substantial financial rewards tied to the company's performance. Eligibility for these programs depends on job role and tenure within the company, with a focus on those in leadership and performance-critical positions.

Interpublic Group (IPG) offers comprehensive health benefits to its employees that focus on physical and mental well-being. The company's healthcare plans include traditional health insurance, vision care, and access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). One unique feature IPG promotes is the access to Health Advocate services, which provide 24/7 access to registered nurses and assistance in navigating healthcare decisions (Employee Benefits). In 2022 and 2023, the company emphasized enhancing employee well-being following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included increased attention to mental health resources and a focus on creating a balance between work and personal life. IPG also offers employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help employees manage stress, mental health, and family issues

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Check Out Articles for Interpublic Group employees

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

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