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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Kaiser Aluminum Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers health, dental, and vision insurance to employees working 30+ hours/week, along with wellness programs and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1. With ACA premiums expected to rise by up to 75% due to subsidy expirations, Kaiser Aluminums employer-sponsored coverage provides a more stable and cost-effective alternative for eligible employees. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Kaiser Aluminum 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, Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum 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 Kaiser Aluminum offer to its employees?

Kaiser Aluminum offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Kaiser Aluminum provide matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Kaiser Aluminum are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, often within the first year of employment.

Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to the 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.

What investment options are available in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in Kaiser Aluminum's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

How can employees at Kaiser Aluminum access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at Kaiser Aluminum can access their 401(k) account information online through the plan's designated website or by contacting the plan administrator.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum?

If an employee leaves Kaiser Aluminum, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Kaiser Aluminum plan, subject to certain conditions.

Are there loans available against the 401(k) plan at Kaiser Aluminum?

Yes, Kaiser Aluminum allows participants to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

Can employees at Kaiser Aluminum change their contribution levels at any time?

Yes, employees at Kaiser Aluminum can change their contribution levels at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.

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

Name: Kaiser Aluminum Pension Plan Eligibility: Employees typically qualify based on years of service and age. The standard eligibility criteria are often 5 years of service or reaching age 55. Pension Formula: The pension formula is generally based on years of service and average salary. For Kaiser Aluminum, it is typically calculated using a defined benefit formula which considers years of service and average earnings. Name: Kaiser Aluminum 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees are usually eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specific period of service, often 30 days of employment. 401(k) Plan Features: Includes employee contributions, employer matching contributions, and various investment options.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Kaiser Aluminum announced a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its production capabilities. The company reported a reduction of 10% in its workforce across various departments. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and adjust to shifting market demands. This news is crucial to address due to the current economic environment, which has seen many companies in the metal industry adjusting their operations in response to fluctuating demand and cost pressures.

Kaiser Aluminum issued stock options and RSUs to executives and key employees. Options had a four-year vesting period with annual vesting, while RSUs aimed to align interests with long-term shareholder value. [Source: Kaiser Aluminum 2022 Annual Report, Page 34]

Health Benefits Overview: The company provides a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer wellness programs and resources for mental health support. Recent Changes: For 2023, Kaiser Aluminum made adjustments to its health insurance plans, including increased premiums and a shift towards high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

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

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