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

Entergy Employees: Expect Rising Health Insurance Costs in 2026

Healthcare Provider Update: For Entergy, the healthcare provider is typically UnitedHealthcare, which offers a range of health insurance plans to its employees and their families. As the backdrop of rising healthcare costs intensifies, Entergy may face significant healthcare cost increases in 2026. With the upcoming expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, millions of Americans could experience a staggering jump in monthly out-of-pocket costs-potentially exceeding 75% for those benefiting from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Factors contributing to these surges include aggressive premium hikes from major insurers, coupled with higher medical costs attributed to inflation and increased healthcare utilization. As such, it will be imperative for Entergy and its employees to strategize and prepare for these escalating expenses to mitigate financial impacts in the coming year. Click here to learn more

'Rising health care costs underscore the importance for Entergy employees to regularly review their benefits and long-term financial strategy,' says Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'With health care expenses climbing faster than wages, Entergy employees should proactively evaluate their coverage options to help protect their long-term financial well-being,' says Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why health insurance costs may rise in 2026.
What changes could impact Affordable Care Act and employer plans.
How to review your options during open enrollment.

Health insurance expenses may soon climb even higher for millions of households, including those of Entergy employees. Some people have even received advance notice of increases through 2026, adding to concerns that affordable insurance options are becoming more limited.

If you are one of the approximately 24 million Americans enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan, ¹ be aware that significant shifts could occur soon. If enhanced ACA premium tax credits expire after 2025, the average family premium could rise 114%, jumping from $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026. ¹

Rising expenses are also impacting those covered through employer plans, including employees at Entergy. Surveys indicate that employer-sponsored health insurance costs are estimated to go up by 6% to 9% in 2026—the biggest increase in more than 15 years. ² As companies continue shifting more of these expenses to workers, payroll deductions and out-of-pocket costs are on the rise. Health care cost growth is even outpacing wage growth, ³ adding pressure on family budgets.

Why Are Prices Increasing?

Many factors contribute to the upward trend, ³ including:

- A surge in medical visits delayed during the pandemic
- The growing number of older Americans requiring ongoing care
- Continued high incidence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease
- Shortages and rising labor costs in the health care workforce
- Higher demand for services combined with fewer workers
Competitive differences across regions also influence costs—some markets have many insurance options, while others have only one or two participating carriers.

What to Do During Open Enrollment

Review your current health care usage. If you typically use fewer services, a high-deductible plan paired with a Health Savings Account might lower monthly premiums and offer certain tax advantages.
Plan ahead for anticipated medical needs. If you expect more care next year, a plan with higher monthly payments but lower deductibles may help spread costs more evenly.
Explore additional coverage options. Depending on eligibility, Medicaid, CHIP, or catastrophic plans may help if employer or marketplace premiums increase sharply.
Stay flexible while enrollment is open. You can modify your plan through the end of open enrollment if your situation or subsidy rules change.

The Bigger Picture

Health care decisions are playing a larger role in long-term planning for Entergy households. Rising medical costs can influence both current spending and future retirement readiness.

At The Retirement Group, we assist individuals in planning for health care costs both before and after retirement. To talk about available plan types and tax-advantaged options as open enrollment approaches, call (800) 900-5867.

Want Assistance Reviewing Your Options?

Health plan decisions affect more than just next year—they may also shape your future income expectations, especially if you’re planning to leave Entergy in the near future.

You don’t need to navigate this alone. Before open enrollment deadlines end, The Retirement Group can help you examine your health care strategy alongside your retirement plan.

Want Assistance Reviewing Your Options?

Health plan decisions affect more than just next year—they may also shape your future retirement income needs, especially for those leaving Entergy in the coming years.

You don’t need to sort through this alone. Before open enrollment deadlines end, The Retirement Group can help you assess your health care strategy and retirement plan.
Call (800) 900-5867 to get started.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Lo, Justin, and Larry Levitt. Early Indications of the Impact of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit Expiration on 2026 Marketplace Premiums . Kaiser Family Foundation, Sept. 2025, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/aca-marketplace-premium-payments-would-more-than-double-on-average-next-year-if-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-expire .

2. Mercer Insights Team. “Employers Prepare for the Highest Health Benefit Cost Increase in 15 Years.” Mercer , 3 Sept. 2025, www.mercer.com/en-us/insights/us-health-news/employers-prepare-for-the-highest-health-benefit-cost-increase-in-15-years

3. “Why Are Healthcare Costs Rising?” Marsh McLennan Agency , 5 Sept. 2025, www.marshmma.com/us/insights/details/rising-health-care-costs.html .

4. “Five Key Changes to ACA Marketplaces Amid Uncertainty Over Premium Tax Credits.” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities , 2025, www.cbpp.org/research/health/five-key-changes-to-aca-marketplaces-amid-uncertainty-over-premium-tax-credit .

5. Health Care Workforce Shortages. NIHCM Foundation, 4 Mar. 2025, nihcm.org/newsletter/rising-healthcare-workforce-shortage.

How does Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. determine the eligibility criteria for employees participating in the pension plan, and what specific conditions must be met for an employee to qualify for benefits under Appendix G of the Plan?

Eligibility Criteria for Pension Plan: Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. determines pension eligibility based on Vesting Service and age. Employees generally become 100% vested after five years of service or upon reaching age 61 while employed. Special provisions may apply to employees who participated in the Vermont Yankee Plan as of July 31, 2002(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

What are the specific steps and necessary documentation required for an employee of Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. to commence their pension benefits once they reach retirement age, and how does this process differ for those with previous employment at other participating companies?

Commencing Pension Benefits: To commence pension benefits, an employee must file an application with the Entergy Pension Resource Center (EPRC). This includes providing necessary documentation, such as proof of age and employment history. Employees who have worked for other participating companies must account for service under prior employers, which may impact the pension calculation(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

In what ways does Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. ensure that employees understand their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and what resources are available for employees seeking clarification on their pension benefits?

ERISA Rights and Resources: Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. ensures employees understand their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by providing access to the plan documents and offering assistance through the Entergy Pension Resource Center. Employees can request clarification on pension benefits by contacting EPRC(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

How does the non-bargaining and bargaining employee classification at Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. impact the pension benefits available, and what should employees consider when planning for retirement in light of these classifications?

Impact of Non-Bargaining and Bargaining Classifications: The classification between non-bargaining and bargaining employees affects pension benefits. Non-bargaining employees are covered under Appendix G of the Plan, which may provide different accrual rates and benefit options compared to bargaining employees. These classifications impact retirement planning, as different rules may apply depending on the classification(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

What provisions are in place at Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. for beneficiaries to receive benefits upon an employee's death, and how do these benefits differ based on whether the employee had already commenced their pension?

Death Benefits for Beneficiaries: In the event of an employee's death, the Entergy pension plan provides benefits to beneficiaries. If the employee has already commenced pension payments, the form of payment selected will determine the survivor benefits. If the employee passes away before starting pension benefits, the spouse may receive pre-retirement survivor benefits(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

How does Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. calculate the normal retirement pension, and what factors play a crucial role in determining an employee's monthly benefit under Appendix G of the Plan?

Pension Calculation Factors: The normal retirement pension at Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. is calculated using a formula based on Average Earnings and years of Benefit Service. The formula includes percentages of earnings, capped at certain limits, and service years to determine the monthly pension benefit under Appendix G(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

What unique considerations should employees of Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. keep in mind regarding service credits, particularly if they have accrued time under a prior employer's defined benefit plan?

Service Credits for Prior Employers: Employees with service under a prior employer's defined benefit plan may have their service credited toward the pension plan at Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. This includes specific provisions for employees from companies like Vermont Yankee. Service credits from prior employers may affect both vesting and benefit calculations(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

How does Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. handle the transition of employees who transfer from covered employment with the potential for pension benefits, and what impact does this have on their accrued service time?

Impact of Employee Transfers on Pensions: If an employee transfers from covered employment (i.e., eligible for the pension plan) to a position not covered by the plan, their Benefit Service is frozen. However, Vesting Service continues to accrue as long as the employee remains with the company, and previous service may impact final pension benefits(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

What specific contact methods are available for employees of Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. to reach the Entergy Pension Resource Center for assistance regarding their pension benefits, and what type of inquiries can the center effectively handle?

Contacting the Entergy Pension Resource Center: Employees can contact the Entergy Pension Resource Center (EPRC) for assistance with their pension benefits via phone at 1-855-523-3772 or online at EPRC Website. Inquiries can include questions about benefits, beneficiary designations, and how to commence pension payments(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

In what scenarios might an employee's pension benefits at Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. be suspended, and what steps can be taken to appeal or rectify such situations once they occur?

Suspension of Pension Benefits: Pension benefits may be suspended if an employee is rehired after retirement and works more than 40 hours in a month. Employees who experience benefit suspensions can have their pension recalculated upon final retirement, with offsets for any benefits previously received(Entergy_Nuclear_Operati…).

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

Entergy Corporation offers a robust retirement plan system for its employees, which includes both pension and 401(k) options. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees transitioned to a Cash Balance Plan on July 1, 2014, and underwent further amendments in 2023 and 2024. As of January 1, 2024, accrued benefits for specific participants were transferred to the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees. This shift includes participants who were previously under Appendix J of the former retirement plan, now governed by the new Appendix J of Plan VI (SEC.gov). The pension plan utilizes a Cash Balance Equalization formula, which was initially implemented in 2014 and amended in 2023. The plan stipulates that employees accumulate retirement credits based on their compensation and service, with an annual interest credit added to their retirement accounts. Non-bargaining employees with at least five years of service qualify for this pension plan

Entergy announced in early 2024 a significant restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency. This includes streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs. The plan involves job cuts in non-essential roles and is part of a broader effort to enhance financial stability amid changing energy market conditions. Source: Business Insider

In 2022, Entergy Corporation granted stock options and RSUs as part of their long-term incentive plan. Stock options were available to executives and senior management, while RSUs were provided to a broader group of employees including middle management and high performers. Entergy typically uses the acronym "SO" for stock options and "RSU" for restricted stock units.

Entergy Health Benefits Overview 1. Official Website Website: Entergy Careers Benefits Information: Entergy offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide a range of plans with varying levels of coverage and cost-sharing options. Employees can also access wellness programs and preventive care services. 2. Benefits Information Website: Entergy Benefits Summary Benefits Information: Entergy's benefits summary highlights health insurance options, including PPO and HMO plans, a Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). They also offer mental health support and employee assistance programs. 3. News and Updates Website: Business Insider Recent News: In 2023, Entergy updated its health benefits plan to include enhanced telehealth services and expanded mental health resources in response to increased employee demand and well-being concerns. 4. Healthcare Terms and Acronyms Website: HR Dive Healthcare Terms: Common terms include HSA (Health Savings Account), FSA (Flexible Spending Account), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), and EAP (Employee Assistance Program). 5. Employee Healthcare News Website: Employee Benefits News Recent News: In 2024, Entergy introduced new wellness initiatives, such as on-site health clinics and enhanced maternity benefits, aimed at improving overall employee health and reducing absenteeism