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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: MillerKnoll offers health insurance coverage through PPO plans with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Employees benefit from low deductibles, preventive care at no cost, and access to a broad provider network. The company also provides dental and vision coverage, FSAs, HSAs, and prescription drug benefits through Express Scripts. Additional perks include wellness programs, mental health support, and a 401(k) with employer match 1. MillerKnoll Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, MillerKnoll 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, MillerKnoll 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 MillerKnoll 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 MillerKnoll 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 plan does MillerKnoll offer to its employees?

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

How can employees at MillerKnoll enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at MillerKnoll can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company's online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does MillerKnoll match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, MillerKnoll provides a matching contribution to employee contributions made to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the MillerKnoll 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the MillerKnoll 401(k) plan aligns with IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS limits for specifics.

When can employees at MillerKnoll start contributing to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at MillerKnoll can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their initial eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the employee handbook.

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

Yes, there may be administrative and investment fees associated with the MillerKnoll 401(k) plan. Employees should review the plan documents for detailed information.

Can employees at MillerKnoll take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, MillerKnoll allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

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

The MillerKnoll 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees at MillerKnoll change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at MillerKnoll can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

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

If an employee leaves MillerKnoll, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings into another qualified retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the MillerKnoll plan, depending on the plan's rules.

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 Name: MillerKnoll Pension Plan (for defined benefit pension plan) - Information available on pages 12 and 15 of the MillerKnoll 2023 Annual Report. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees generally need at least 5 years of service to be eligible for the MillerKnoll Pension Plan. The plan also typically requires employees to be at least 55 years old to qualify for full pension benefits. MillerKnoll 401(k) Savings Plan - Information available on pages 18 and 22 of the MillerKnoll 2023 Benefits Overview. Eligibility for 401(k) Plan: Generally, MillerKnoll employees are eligible to participate in the MillerKnoll 401(k) Savings Plan after completing 30 days of service.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, MillerKnoll announced significant restructuring plans due to a challenging economic environment. This included the reduction of its workforce as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy. The company aimed to streamline operations and improve profitability by eliminating redundant positions and optimizing its organizational structure. These changes were driven by declining demand in the office furniture sector, which was impacted by remote work trends and economic uncertainties. It is crucial to address this news given the current economic climate, as it highlights the broader trend of companies adjusting their workforce in response to changing market conditions.

MillerKnoll provides stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its employee compensation package. Stock options (SO) allow employees to purchase company stock at a fixed price in the future, while RSUs are granted with no purchase required but are subject to vesting conditions. For MillerKnoll, the acronyms often used are SO for stock options and RSU for Restricted Stock Units.

Health Benefits Overview: On MillerKnoll’s official website, you can find information about their health benefits under the "Careers" or "Employee Benefits" section. MillerKnoll offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with wellness programs. Specific Terms & Acronyms: Common terms include HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and preventive care benefits.