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

Spectrum Brands Holdings Employees: Expect Rising Health Insurance Costs in 2026

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Spectrum Brands Holdings Spectrum Brands Holdings collaborates with various insurance providers to offer employee health benefits; however, the specific healthcare provider details can vary based on the employee's location and selected health plans. The most comprehensive way to obtain this information is by referring directly to Spectrum Brands' human resources department or employee benefits documentation. Projected Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings may face significant healthcare cost increases, exacerbated by surging premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Anticipated rate hikes may soar over 60% in some states, driven by escalating medical costs and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies. A concerning 92% of marketplace enrollees risk facing out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75% without congressional intervention. Given this landscape, it's crucial for employees to proactively assess their health benefits and prepare for heightened financial burdens. Click here to learn more

'Rising health care costs underscore the importance for Spectrum Brands Holdings 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, Spectrum Brands Holdings 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings. 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings 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 Spectrum Brands Holdings 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.

What type of retirement savings plan does Spectrum Brands Holdings offer to its employees?

Spectrum Brands Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Spectrum Brands Holdings provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Spectrum Brands Holdings provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Can employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) accounts, within the limits set by the IRS.

What investment options are available in the Spectrum Brands Holdings 401(k) plan?

The 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Yes, Spectrum Brands Holdings has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the employer's contributions.

How can employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through the online portal provided by the plan administrator of Spectrum Brands Holdings.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Spectrum Brands Holdings?

If an employee leaves Spectrum Brands Holdings, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account or leave it in the Spectrum Brands Holdings plan, subject to certain conditions.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Spectrum Brands Holdings, which can include administrative fees and investment management fees.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balances at Spectrum Brands Holdings?

Yes, employees of Spectrum Brands Holdings may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balances, subject to the plan's rules.