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

Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will MSC Industrial Direct Employees Be Affected?

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with HSAs, FSAs, life insurance, and disability coverage 1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, MSCs comprehensive employer-sponsored plans offer a more stable and cost-effective alternative to marketplace coverage. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, MSC Industrial Direct 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, MSC Industrial Direct 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 MSC Industrial Direct 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 MSC Industrial Direct 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 MSC Industrial Direct offer to its employees?

MSC Industrial Direct offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees at MSC Industrial Direct enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at MSC Industrial Direct can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does MSC Industrial Direct offer matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, MSC Industrial Direct offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the 401(k) matching contributions at MSC Industrial Direct?

The vesting schedule for matching contributions at MSC Industrial Direct typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the contributions over time.

Can employees at MSC Industrial Direct contribute to their 401(k) on a pre-tax basis?

Yes, employees at MSC Industrial Direct can make pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) plan, reducing their taxable income.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at MSC Industrial Direct?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at MSC Industrial Direct follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Are there options for Roth contributions in MSC Industrial Direct's 401(k) plan?

Yes, MSC Industrial Direct offers employees the option to make Roth contributions to their 401(k) plan, allowing for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

What investment options are available in MSC Industrial Direct's 401(k) plan?

MSC Industrial Direct's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees at MSC Industrial Direct change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

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

What resources does MSC Industrial Direct provide to help employees understand their 401(k) options?

MSC Industrial Direct provides educational resources, including workshops, online tools, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) options.

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

Name: MSC Industrial Direct Retirement Plan Years of Service Requirement: Typically 5 years Age Requirement: Generally 65 years old for full benefits Pension Formula: Based on average salary and years of service Name: MSC Industrial Direct 401(k) Savings Plan Eligibility: Immediate upon hire

Restructuring and Layoffs: MSC Industrial Direct announced a series of cost-cutting measures in early 2024, including a significant reduction in its workforce. The company has been facing challenges due to fluctuating demand in the industrial sector and increased competition. This restructuring is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve financial stability. Sources: Business Wire, Reuters. Benefits and Pension/401(k) Changes: Alongside workforce reductions, MSC Industrial Direct is also revising its employee benefits package. Changes include adjustments to retirement benefits and a potential overhaul of its 401(k) matching contributions

Description: MSC Industrial Direct offers stock options as part of its employee compensation package. Employees in senior management and certain key roles are eligible for these options. Description: Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are granted to executive officers and select high-performing employees. The RSUs vest over a period of time, typically tied to performance or tenure.

Health Benefits Overview: MSC Industrial Direct provides a comprehensive health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also offer health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Specific plans and coverage options can vary based on employee location and job role.