Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for PPG Industries: PPG Industries, a global supplier of paints and coatings, typically partners with prominent healthcare providers in the corporate sector to offer comprehensive health insurance plans for its employees. Specific providers can vary by region but may include nationwide insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, or Cigna, depending on the company's benefits structure. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases for PPG Industries in 2026: In light of anticipated changes in the healthcare landscape, PPG Industries may face significant healthcare cost increases in 2026. As record premium hikes are projected, with some states experiencing increases over 60%, the loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies could exacerbate financial strains on employees. Reports indicate that over 22 million participants in the ACA marketplace might see an astounding rise in out-of-pocket premiums, with average hikes anticipated to exceed 75%. This challenging environment could compel PPG to reevaluate its employee health benefits strategy to mitigate costs and maintain adequate coverage. Click here to learn more
'PPG Industries employees should prepare for 2026 by reviewing upcoming benefit changes and exploring ways to manage rising out-of-pocket health care costs.' - Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'PPG Industries employees can better navigate rising health care expenses in 2026 by understanding benefit adjustments early and making informed plan selections,' - Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we’ll examine:
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Why increasing health care costs are pushing PPG Industries employers to pass more expenses onto employees.
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The approaches companies are using to handle cost pressures, including changes in plan design and pharmacy benefit modifications.
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How marketplace premium hikes and medical cost trends affect overall health care affordability.
In 2026, PPG Industries employees may bear a greater share of health care expenses as costs keep climbing.
Many large U.S. companies, including those such as PPG Industries, are preparing to adjust benefit structures to counter rising health care expenses. Mercer’s recent survey of 711 U.S. employers with 500 or more employees found that 51% are “likely” or “very likely” to raise deductibles, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums in 2026—up from 45% who said the same for 2025. 1
Despite cost-saving actions, employers’ health care costs rose by 4.5% in 2024 and are expected to climb another 5.8% in 2025; absent these actions, Mercer estimates that costs could go up by ~8%. 2 A key contributing factor is the high price of GLP-1 medications for diabetes and weight loss, averaging around $1,000 per patient per month. 1 The survey also found that 77% of employers rated managing GLP-1 costs as extremely or very important. 1 Although many companies—including those in the energy sector—have expanded GLP-1 coverage, growing concerns suggest such plans may be untenable by 2026.
Shifting Employer Approaches to Benefits
Previously, employers hesitated to raise deductibles because of tight labor markets and concerns about affordability. Today, with economic uncertainty and slower wage growth, cost management may be taking precedence over hiring and retention efforts in some cases. In 2026, 35% of large firms intend to offer unconventional medical plan options—such as copay-based models aimed at reducing costs while maintaining quality. 1 Moreover, 61% are evaluating alternatives to traditional pharmacy benefit arrangements to bring more clarity to drug pricing and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) services. 1
Rising Costs in the Individual Market
The pressure extends beyond employer-sponsored coverage. The ACA marketplace is slated to experience some of its biggest premium increases in over five years. According to state filings, 2026 premiums could jump dramatically—UnitedHealthcare in New York is seeking increases of up to 66.4%, 3 Arkansas expects an average increase of 36.1%, 4 and Florida Blue is looking at 27%. 5 If enhanced federal subsidies expire at the end of 2025, millions could be exposed to the full impact of these higher premiums.
Why Costs Are Rising Across the Board
Medical cost trends are projected to increase by 7–10% annually—far exceeding general inflation—driven by factors like brand name medications, hospital services, and specialist care. Regulatory changes are adding further pressure. Insurer earnings also contribute, as several major carriers posted record profits in 2024 while launching multibillion-dollar stock buybacks.
Key Take-Away for PPG Industries Workers
With 51% of employers planning to transfer more health care costs onto workers—and ACA premiums rising sharply—2026 may become a critical year for health care affordability. PPG Industries employees who familiarize themselves with upcoming benefit changes, optimize HSA/FSA contributions, and choose their 2026 plan with care may offset some of the added costs. Otherwise, households could see thousands in extra spending for equal—or even reduced—coverage.
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Sources:
1. Mercer. “ U.S. Employers Rethinking Benefit Strategy for 2026 amid Rapidly Rising Costs .” Mercer Newsroom , 16 July 2025.
2. Fierce Healthcare. ' Mercer survey: Employers may make a return to healthcare cost-shifting strategies ,' by Paige Minemyer. 16 Jul 2025.
3. New York State Department of Financial Services. ' 2026 Individual and Small Group Requested Rate Actions ,' 2 June 2025.
4. ACHI. ' Arkansas Insurers File Proposed Rate Increases for 2026 ,' by Chris Ray. 8 Aug. 2025.
5. Insurance Newsnet. ' Florida Blue among companies proposing double-digit healthcare increases ,' by Christine Sexton. 12 Aug. 2025.
Other Resources:
1. Ortaliza, Jared, et al. “How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2026.” Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker , 6 Aug. 2025.
2. New York State Department of Financial Services. “2026 Individual and Small Group Requested Rate Actions – Additional Information.” DFS Prior Approval Portal , accessed 13 Aug. 2025.
3. Sexton, Christine. “Watch Out for Double-Digit Health Insurance Increases in 2026.” The Florida Phoenix , 11 Aug. 2025.
4. Federal Trade Commission. Specialty Generic Drugs: A Growing Profit Center for Vertically Integrated Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Second Interim Staff Report. 14 Jan. 2025. pp. 5–6, 19–20, 32–34.
What are the key factors that PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees should consider when planning for retirement, and how does the PPG Pension Hub facilitate this planning process to ensure a secure financial future?
Key factors for retirement planning and PPG Pension Hub: Employees at PPG Industries (UK) Limited should consider their lifestyle goals, contributions, and the age at which they wish to retire. The PPG Pension Hub facilitates retirement planning by providing access to personal pension data, modeling tools, and resources that help employees visualize their retirement income and savings adjustments(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
How does the introduction of the Bridging Pension option affect the retirement planning of PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees, particularly those who are considering retiring before reaching State Pension age?
Bridging Pension option and retirement planning: The Bridging Pension option allows employees to receive a higher pension before reaching State Pension age and then reduces their pension once the State Pension begins. This is helpful for those retiring early, as it smooths their income before State Pension payments start(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
In what ways can employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited maximize their contributions to the DC section of their pension plan, and what strategies can they employ to adjust their retirement savings for unexpected financial needs?
Maximizing contributions to the DC section: Employees can adjust their retirement savings by increasing their regular or one-off contributions. The secure member website provides a tool, myTarget, that shows the impact of increased contributions on future benefits, helping employees manage unexpected financial needs(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
How does PPG Industries (UK) Limited's change to the life assurance arrangement impact employees’ beneficiaries upon their death, and what steps should employees take to ensure their Expression of Wish Form is up to date?
Impact of changes to life assurance arrangement: The new life assurance arrangement removes the risk of exceeding the Lifetime Allowance by paying a lump sum outside the pension plan. Employees should ensure their Expression of Wish Form is up to date to guarantee the correct beneficiaries receive their lump sum upon death(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
What are the implications of the recent updates regarding Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalization for PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees, and how can affected employees monitor the status of their benefits?
GMP equalization updates: The GMP equalization process ensures that pensions are equalized for men and women. Affected employees will be notified if changes apply to their benefits, and they should monitor communications from the plan administrators for updates(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
How can PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees prepare for potential changes in minimum pension age and state pension age, and what resources are available through the company to assist in this planning?
Preparing for changes in pension age: With the normal minimum pension age rising to 57 in 2028 and the State Pension age increasing, employees should review their retirement plans. PPG Industries offers resources like the PPG Pension Hub and financial advice services to help employees plan for these changes(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
How can employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited access independent financial advice at no cost, and what should they consider when selecting a financial adviser to help them navigate their pension options?
Access to independent financial advice: PPG Industries covers the cost for one complete round of independent financial advice through WPS Advisory Limited. Employees should evaluate their adviser options, ensuring the selected adviser is registered and understands the specificities of the PPG pension plan(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
What critical information regarding pension tax allowances in 2024 should employees of PPG Industries (UK) Limited be aware of when making contributions to their pension scheme?
Pension tax allowances in 2024: Employees should be aware of the Annual Allowance, capped at £40,000, and the Lifetime Allowance, fixed at £1.0731 million. Contributions exceeding these limits may result in tax charges, making it essential to track contributions and consider tax implications when planning their pensions(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
How has the performance of the investment options within PPG Industries (UK) Limited's Defined Contribution (DC) section impacted member benefits, and what should employees consider when selecting their investment portfolios?
Impact of investment options in the DC section: The performance of the investment options, such as the new Aon Managed Global Impact Fund, can significantly affect employee benefits. Employees should assess their investment portfolios regularly to ensure they align with their risk tolerance and retirement goals(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).
How can PPG Industries (UK) Limited employees contact the company for detailed inquiries regarding their pension plans, and what specific information should they be prepared to provide during this contact for efficient assistance?
Contacting the company for pension inquiries: Employees can contact the plan administrators at Aon via phone, email, or postal address. They should be prepared with their employee ID or member number, as well as personal information like date of birth, to ensure smooth communication(PPG INDUSTRIES UK LIMIT…).