New Update: Rising Oil Costs are Affecting Retirement Plans. Will you be impacted?
Largest Increase Ever From Top Insurers. Will Western Midstream Partners Employees Be Affected?
The sustained volatility in crude oil markets, with prices ranging from $50 to $120 and annualized swings near 80%, creates economic effects that extend far beyond energy companies. Oil price volatility ripples through the broader economy by influencing inflation expectations, interest rates, and equity market valuations. For employees at Western Midstream Partners, energy sector holdings within retirement accounts, such as oil stocks in a 401(k), can experience significant price swings that affect portfolio allocation; if sold during downturns, realized losses or gains may create unexpected tax consequences. For Western Midstream Partners employees focused on long-term financial health, periods of oil-driven economic volatility reinforce the value of diversified strategies that account for how energy markets influence the broader investment landscape. Working with a financial advisor can help you position your planning strategy for sustained energy price uncertainty.
'With ACA premiums expected to rise in 2026, Western Midstream Partners 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, Western Midstream Partners 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.
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In this article we will discuss:
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The expected premium increases for ACA marketplace plans in 2026 and their potential impact on Western Midstream Partners employees and retirees.
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The major national insurers and states with the largest requested rate hikes.
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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 Western Midstream Partners 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 2026, average out-of-pocket premium payments for subsidized enrollees could rise by more than 75% in 2026. 1 As of January 2026, 24.2 million people selected 2026 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:
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New York: UnitedHealthcare requesting up to +66.4% (individual market).
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Arkansas: QualChoice +54.4% , Ambetter (Celtic) +42.5% , statewide average +36.1% .
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Colorado: Western Slope ~+38.8% ; statewide average +28.4% . Rocky Mountain HMO +36.4% , Cigna +29.4% , Anthem +33.6% , Kaiser +15.3% .
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Florida: Molina ~+41% , Florida Blue +27% , Centene Venture +18.73%
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Maine: Anthem (revised) +24.8% ; statewide weighted average +25.9% .
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Washington: 14 insurers; requested average +21.2% .
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Vermont: BCBS Vermont +23.3% .
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Maryland: Requested statewide average +17.1% (individual market).
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Illinois: BCBS Illinois +27% .
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Texas: BCBS Texas +21% .
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Major National Insurers and Their 2026 Requests:
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UnitedHealthcare (UnitedHealth Group): Up to +66.4% in New York.
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Elevance Health (Anthem BCBS): +33.6% in Colorado; +24.8% in Maine.
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Kaiser Permanente: +15.3% in Colorado (individual market).
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Centene Corporation (Ambetter/Celtic): +42.5% in Arkansas; +18.73% in Florida.
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Cigna Healthcare: +29.4% in Colorado.
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Molina Healthcare: ~41% in Florida.
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HCSC (BCBS IL, TX): +27% in Illinois; +21% in Texas.
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GuideWell (Florida Blue): +27% in Florida.
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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield: Maryland requested statewide average +17.1% .
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CVS Health/Aetna: Withdrawing ACA marketplace plans in 17 states in 2026, affecting ~1 million members.
Key Factors Driving the Increases:
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Loss of Enhanced Premium Subsidies: The American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act extended ACA subsidies through 2026. 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
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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.
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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.
Dividing retirement assets in a QDRO proceeding requires a clear understanding of what Western Midstream Partners offers through its benefit programs. One key fact: Western Midstream Partners maintains an active defined benefit pension plan, so eligible employees continue to accrue benefits based on years of service and compensation. If you are eligible for a lump sum payout, IRS Section 417(e) segment rates determine how the future annuity stream converts to a present-value payment - rising rates compress the lump sum, so monitoring the plan's stability period and lookback month is critical before you lock in your election date. The choice between a single-life annuity, a joint-and-survivor option, or a lump sum (where available) is generally irrevocable once made, and timing that decision relative to interest rate conditions can meaningfully affect your retirement income picture.
Regarding medical coverage, Western Midstream Partners does not offer continued medical coverage to retirees, which means coverage through the company ends when employment does. Planning for the cost of health insurance during any gap between your retirement date and Medicare eligibility at age 65 is a critical step - marketplace coverage, COBRA continuation, or a spouse's employer plan are common options. Building an accurate estimate of bridge-coverage costs into your retirement income projection prevents underestimating one of the largest variable expenses retirees face. Pulling together the full range of your Western Midstream Partners benefits into a coordinated retirement strategy helps eliminate blind spots in your planning.
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 2026 .' 17 Jan. 2026.
3. The Commonwealth Fund. ' Proposed Rule Will Make Consumers Pay More for Health Insurance and Care in ACA Marketplaces ,' by Sara Collins. 7 May 2026.
4. Fierce Healthcare. ' KFF Analysis finds a median ACA premium hike of 18% for 2026 ,' by Paige Minemyer. 8 Aug. 2026.
5. PwC Health Research Institute. Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers 2026 . PwC , 16 July 2026, 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 2026, 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 2026, PDF, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cms-9884-f-2026-pi-rule-master-5cr-062025.pdf .
3. Minemyer, Paige. “Aetna to Exit the ACA Exchanges in 2026.”
Fierce Healthcare
, 1 May 2026,
https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/aetna-exit-aca-exchanges-2026
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Pages/Sections referenced:
Article body noting ~1 million exchange members and the 2026 exit (single web page; n. pag.).
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Western Midstream Partners?
The 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.
How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the company match for the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?
Western Midstream Partners offers a company match of 50% on employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary, helping to boost retirement savings.
When can I start contributing to the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?
Employees can start contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their eligibility period, which is typically within the first month of employment.
What types of investments are available in the Western Midstream Partners 401(k) plan?
The 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock.
Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?
Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the HR portal or by contacting payroll services.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?
Yes, Western Midstream Partners has a vesting schedule, which means that employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the company match contributions.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Western Midstream Partners?
If you leave Western Midstream Partners, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to a new employer’s plan, transferring it to an IRA, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).
Can I take a loan against my 401(k) at Western Midstream Partners?
Yes, Western Midstream Partners allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Are there hardship withdrawal options available in the 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners?
Yes, employees may be eligible for hardship withdrawals from their 401(k) plan at Western Midstream Partners under specific circumstances defined by the plan.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Western Midstream Partners at , ; or by calling them at .
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