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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Martin Marietta Materials Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Martin Marietta Materials The healthcare provider for Martin Marietta Materials is primarily UnitedHealthcare. They offer a range of health insurance plans to employees, which typically include various coverage options catering to both individual and family needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we look toward 2026, Martin Marietta Materials anticipates significant challenges as healthcare costs are projected to rise substantially, driven by several factors. The expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies may lead to a surge in premiums, with some states witnessing increases of over 60%. Additionally, industry-wide medical costs are expected to rise by approximately 8.5%, spurred by ongoing inflation in healthcare services and the increasing costs of prescription drugs. This confluence of factors means that many employees could face a steep increase in their out-of-pocket expenses, compelling the company to consider strategic adjustments to its health benefits offerings. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Martin Marietta Materials 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, Martin Marietta Materials 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 Martin Marietta Materials 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 Martin Marietta Materials 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.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

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 Martin Marietta Materials offer to its employees?

Martin Marietta Materials offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Martin Marietta Materials match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Martin Marietta Materials provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) plan contributions, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials is in line with the IRS annual contribution limits, which can change each year.

Can employees at Martin Marietta Materials take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at Martin Marietta Materials may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan’s terms.

What investment options are available in the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan?

The Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan, which determines when employees fully own the matched contributions.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Martin Marietta Materials at any time, subject to plan rules.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Martin Marietta Materials?

If you leave Martin Marietta Materials, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.

Are there any fees associated with the Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the Martin Marietta Materials 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: Martin Marietta Materials Pension Plan provides benefits based on years of service and age, with a defined benefit formula. 401(k) Plan: Martin Marietta Materials 401(k) Savings Plan offers opportunities for employees to contribute with an employer match after 30 days of service.

Layoffs & Restructuring: In 2023, Martin Marietta Materials announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at optimizing operational efficiency. This involved a reduction in workforce, particularly in non-core areas, to streamline operations and reduce costs. The company stated that the layoffs were part of a broader strategy to enhance its competitive position amid fluctuating market conditions. Given the current economic climate, such restructuring is significant as it reflects the company’s effort to remain agile in response to economic uncertainties and shifts in the construction industry. Benefit Changes & 401k: There have been notable changes to the company's benefits package and 401k plan. Martin Marietta updated its retirement benefits by increasing the company match for 401k contributions to better support employee financial planning. Additionally, there have been adjustments to health benefits to align with new regulations and to improve coverage. These changes are important to address because they impact employee financial security and retirement planning, especially in a volatile economic environment where investment and tax conditions are continually evolving

Martin Marietta Materials stock options and RSUs are granted to attract and retain key talent within the company. Martin Marietta Materials provides these benefits primarily to executives and high-potential employees to align their interests with the company's long-term goals. The stock options and RSUs offered by Martin Marietta Materials in 2022, 2023, and 2024 are designed to incentivize and reward significant contributions to the company's success.

Health Benefits Summary: Martin Marietta Materials provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. The benefits extend to both employees and their dependents. Specific Terms: HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan): A health insurance plan with higher deductibles and lower premiums. HSA (Health Savings Account): Tax-advantaged savings account used in conjunction with an HDHP. EAP (Employee Assistance Program): Provides mental health resources and counseling.