Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Huntington Ingalls Industries The healthcare provider for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) primarily focuses on providing employee health benefits through a mix of employer-sponsored insurance plans, as well as partnerships with other insurance carriers for comprehensive coverage options. HII is known for offering valuable benefits, helping ensure that their employees have access to necessary medical care. Specific healthcare providers might include major insurers that operate in the regions where HII has a presence, but details on the exact provider may vary based on the location and employee choices. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 for Huntington Ingalls Industries As 2026 approaches, Huntington Ingalls Industries employees should prepare for significant healthcare cost increases, with some states projected to see premium hikes exceeding 60%. Factors contributing to these spikes include the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), escalating medical costs, and heightened demand for healthcare services. Consequently, employees may find themselves shouldering a larger portion of healthcare expenses as companies like HII adapt their benefit structures to counterbalance rising costs, potentially resulting in out-of-pocket expenses increasing sharply next year. It is crucial for employees to familiarize themselves with upcoming benefit changes and strategically assess their healthcare plan options to mitigate the financial impact. Click here to learn more
'Rising health care costs underscore the importance for Huntington Ingalls Industries 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, Huntington Ingalls Industries 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:
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Why health insurance costs may rise in 2026.
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What changes could impact Affordable Care Act and employer plans.
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How to review your options during open enrollment.
Health insurance expenses may soon climb even higher for millions of households, including those of Huntington Ingalls Industries 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 Huntington Ingalls Industries. 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:
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- A surge in medical visits delayed during the pandemic
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- The growing number of older Americans requiring ongoing care
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- Continued high incidence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease
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- Shortages and rising labor costs in the health care workforce
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- Higher demand for services combined with fewer workers
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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
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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.
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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.
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Explore additional coverage options. Depending on eligibility, Medicaid, CHIP, or catastrophic plans may help if employer or marketplace premiums increase sharply.
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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 Huntington Ingalls Industries 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 Huntington Ingalls Industries 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 Huntington Ingalls Industries 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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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 the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) pension plan integrate with Social Security benefits for maximizing an employee's retirement income, and what specific strategies can HII employees use to understand this integration better?
HII pension plan integration with Social Security: The HII pension plan works alongside Social Security benefits, with no reduction in pension payments due to Social Security benefits at age 65 or later. However, if an employee receives workers' compensation benefits, the pension may be reduced. To better understand this integration, employees should review their Social Security benefits statement and consult with the HIBC (Huntington Ingalls Benefits Center) for detailed guidance(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
In relation to the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) pension plan, what are the eligibility requirements for normal and early retirement, and how do these requirements affect long-term financial planning for HII employees approaching retirement age?
Eligibility for normal and early retirement: Employees are eligible for normal retirement at age 65 or after five years of service, whichever comes first. Early retirement is available from age 55 with at least 10 years of service. Early retirement benefits are reduced to reflect the longer payout period, which can impact financial planning. Employees should consider whether to defer retirement to receive full benefits or take a reduced early retirement benefit(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
How do changes in employment status, such as promotion or changing between hourly and salaried positions, affect pension benefits for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) employees, and what should employees consider when anticipating these changes?
Effect of employment status changes: Changes in employment status, such as a promotion or transitioning between hourly and salaried positions, can affect pension eligibility and accrual. For instance, transferring from an hourly to a salaried role might mean cessation of accrual under one plan and ineligibility to return to the previous plan unless specific conditions are met. Employees should check the plan rules and consult with HIBC before making such changes(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
For employees of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), what steps must be taken to ensure that pension benefits are properly claimed and administered upon retirement, and what role does documentation play in this process?
Claiming pension benefits: Employees should notify the HIBC at least two months before their intended retirement date to begin the process of claiming pension benefits. Proper documentation, including a birth certificate, Social Security information, and marriage certificates (if applicable), is essential. Delays in providing this information can result in delays or even forfeiture of benefits(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
How do the rules surrounding spousal consent impact retirement benefit elections for employees at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and what specific options are available for employees considering different forms of retirement income?
Spousal consent and retirement elections: HII requires spousal consent for retirement elections other than the standard 50%, 75%, or 100% joint and survivor annuity options. This ensures that spouses are aware of and agree to any reduction in survivor benefits. Employees should discuss these options with their spouse and obtain written, notarized consent when necessary(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
What are the implications of the pension plan provisions related to disability retirement for Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) employees, including the eligibility criteria and the impact on social security benefits that employees should be aware of?
Disability retirement provisions: Disability retirement is available to employees with at least 15 years of service who qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Disability retirement benefits are not reduced for early commencement, making it a beneficial option for qualifying employees. It’s crucial for employees to apply to both HII and the Social Security Administration to claim these benefits(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
In what ways does the pension plan of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) accommodate employees who have service credits from other employers or previously merged plans, and what actions should employees take to clarify their benefits?
Service credits from other employers: The HII pension plan may accommodate employees who have service credits from previously merged plans. If an employee has transferred assets from another employer’s plan, they should contact the HIBC to clarify how these credits affect their pension calculation(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
How do the changes in IRS limits for retirement accounts in 2024 impact the retirement planning for employees of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), and what resources does HII provide to assist employees in navigating these changes?
IRS limit changes for 2024: Changes in IRS contribution limits affect retirement planning by capping how much can be saved in tax-advantaged accounts. HII provides access to tools and financial advisors through the HIBC, allowing employees to review how these changes impact their pension and 401(k) contributions(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
What are the consequences for employees at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) if they fail to notify the benefits center of their address changes or retirement intentions, particularly concerning the accrual and distribution of their pension benefits?
Consequences of failing to notify benefits center: If an employee fails to update their address or retirement intentions with the HIBC, it may result in delayed pension payments or the loss of benefits. It is crucial to maintain up-to-date contact information to ensure smooth benefit distribution(Huntington Ingalls Indu…)(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
If an Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) employee wants to learn more about their specific pension benefits or has questions regarding the pension plan, what methods can they use to contact HII for assistance, and what information should they have ready during this communication?
Contacting HII for pension information: Employees can contact the HIBC via phone or the online portal (http://hiibenefits.com) to inquire about their pension benefits. They should have personal identification details such as Social Security numbers, marital status, and anticipated retirement dates ready for efficient assistance(Huntington Ingalls Indu…).
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