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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Murphy USA: Murphy USA's healthcare provider network includes a variety of options, primarily focused on major insurance companies that offer group health insurance plans for its employees. The specific providers can vary over time and by location, but typically include carriers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As Murphy USA employees navigate the rising tide of healthcare costs, the looming increases for 2026 present significant challenges. With ACA marketplace premiums expected to surge by an average of 20%, many employees may face substantially higher out-of-pocket expenses. These increases are driven by multiple factors, including escalating medical costs, the potential loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies, and changing employer benefit structures aimed at managing expenses. Consequently, employees at Murphy USA are advised to closely review their health benefit options and prepare for a potential increase in their personal healthcare expenditures next year. Click here to learn more

'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Murphy USA 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, Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA 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 Murphy USA 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 is the purpose of the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA?

The 401(k) plan at Murphy USA is designed to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

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

Employees at Murphy USA can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company’s benefits portal during the open enrollment period or upon their hire date.

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

Yes, Murphy USA offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Murphy USA follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually. Employees should check the current limits for the year.

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

Yes, Murphy USA allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.

What investment options are available in Murphy USA's 401(k) plan?

Murphy USA's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

How often can employees at Murphy USA change their 401(k) contributions?

Employees at Murphy USA can change their 401(k) contributions at any time, subject to the plan's rules and guidelines.

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

Yes, Murphy USA has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which determines how much of the matched contributions employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

Can employees at Murphy USA access their 401(k) funds before retirement?

Employees at Murphy USA may access their 401(k) funds before retirement under certain circumstances, such as hardship withdrawals or after reaching a specific age.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Murphy USA?

If an employee leaves Murphy USA, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another qualified plan, cashing it out, or leaving it with Murphy USA.

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

Name of the Pension Plan: Identify the official name of Murphy USA’s pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Determine the requirements for employees to qualify for the pension plan, including years of service and age. Pension Formula: Review how the pension amount is calculated. Acronyms and Terminology: Collect relevant acronyms and terms related to Murphy USA’s pension plan. Name of the 401(k) Plan: Find out the official name of Murphy USA’s 401(k) plan. Qualification for 401(k) Plan: Identify who qualifies to participate in the 401(k) plan. Acronyms and Terminology: Collect relevant acronyms and terms related to Murphy USA’s 401(k) plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Murphy USA announced a restructuring plan aimed at improving operational efficiency. This included some layoffs, particularly in non-core business units. The company cited the need to streamline operations and enhance profitability amidst a challenging economic climate. This restructuring is significant as it reflects broader trends in the industry where companies are adapting to economic uncertainties and competitive pressures. It is crucial to follow these changes due to their potential impact on employee benefits and organizational stability.

Murphy USA offered stock options and RSUs primarily to senior executives and certain key employees. These incentives were designed to align interests with shareholders and reward long-term performance. For specific details on stock options and RSUs, refer to Murphy USA’s 2022 Proxy Statement, Page 25.

Health Benefits Overview: Murphy USA offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The plans are typically administered through major insurance carriers, providing various coverage levels. Healthcare Terms: Common terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HSA (Health Savings Account), and FSA (Flexible Spending Account).