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

Rising Health Care Costs Pose New Challenges for U.S. Employers Like U.S. Bancorp

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for U.S. Bancorp U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank, primarily partners with UnitedHealthcare for its corporate health insurance offerings. This relationship allows U.S. Bancorp to provide a range of health benefits to its employees through UnitedHealthcare's extensive network and services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, U.S. Bancorp may face substantial healthcare cost increases, influenced predominantly by rising insurance premiums driven by multiple factors. Record hikes in premiums are anticipated as federal subsidies from the Affordable Care Act expire, which could result in over 22 million enrollees experiencing steep out-of-pocket expenses. With major insurers like UnitedHealthcare requesting rate increases upward of 66% in certain markets, U.S. Bancorp's healthcare costs could rise significantly, compelling both the company and its employees to navigate a more expensive healthcare landscape. This situation highlights the urgent need for strategic planning to mitigate the financial impact on employees and the company's overall benefits strategy. Click here to learn more

'Rising health care costs are no longer a temporary trend but a structural challenge that employers like U.S. Bancorp need to face head-on. Proactive planning around benefits and long-term budgeting is essential to maintaining both workforce stability and financial resilience.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'With health care costs on the rise, companies like U.S. Bancorp are exploring ways to align benefit strategies with financial objectives to help preserve both employee well-being and organizational strength.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

The rapid rise in employer-sponsored health care costs and its long-term budget implications.
The primary factors driving health care inflation, including labor shortages and prescription drug costs.
The strategic responses employers are adopting to manage expenses while addressing employee well-being.

By Patrick Ray, a financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement

Businesses in the United States, including U.S. Bancorp, are bracing for the largest increase in health insurance costs in over 15 years. ¹ This trend is spilling over into the operating costs associated with employer-sponsored health care plans, driving companies to revisit how they handle employee benefits, retention, and long-term financial planning.

An Increase in Prices

Industry estimates indicate that employer health care expenditures are set to rise by roughly 9% to 10% in 2026, ² marking the biggest annual jump since 2011. ³ With average annual premiums for employer-sponsored family coverage reaching $25,572 in 2024, ⁴ this jump stands to put continued pressure on companies—including U.S. Bancorp—to reassess how sustainable their benefit programs remain. The compounding effect of these annual increases has forced firms to rethink benefits in ways that may directly influence workforce stability.

Double-digit annual increases do occur in exceptional circumstances, but the fact that this surge is happening in a stable economy underscores how health care inflation has shifted from a temporary market disruption to a structural challenge for employers.

The Reasons Behind Rising Prices

Several systemic factors are fueling this upward trend for employers like U.S. Bancorp:

Health Care Labor Costs: Hospitals and providers are facing heightened labor expenses, especially for specialized roles such as nurses and clinicians. ⁵
Pharmaceutical Expenses: The introduction of new and specialty treatments—often expensive—adds strain to budgets.
Insurer Pass-Throughs: Increases in insurer rates are often passed directly on to employer-sponsored plans. ⁶
Increased Utilization: Following the pandemic, many employees deferred screenings and elective procedures, leading to a surge in catch-up care that elevates overall spending. ¹

While these developments may lead to better health outcomes over time, they also impose immediate budget pressures.

The Employer’s Dilemma

Spending trends are approaching a tipping point for many organizations such as U.S. Bancorp. One Wealth Enhancement client with over 2,000 employees projected employer-sponsored health care costs could exceed $50 million within three years, a scenario the CFO described as “unsustainable.” Employers now face the choice of absorbing greater expenses, scaling back benefits, or shifting more costs onto employees. Each route carries risks, particularly if health care cost growth continues outpacing revenue and wage increases.

Effects on Employees

At large corporations like U.S. Bancorp, employees may experience higher deductibles, copays, or out-of-pocket maximums—even when employers cover most premium increases. For many families, coverage costs now rival second mortgages or car payments, fueling dissatisfaction and turnover. As benefits grow more costly and are viewed as less generous, workforce morale and retention suffer, impacting engagement and company performance.

Employers’ Strategic Responses

To address rising costs, companies—including U.S. Bancorp—are turning to tactics such as:

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and High-Deductible Plans: To mitigate costs for employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans, some employers are including HSAs in their benefits programs. These accounts offer a triple tax advantage: contributions to the account are tax-free and exempt from Social Security or Medicare taxes if they're made through payroll deductions; the money invested grows tax-free; and withdrawals for qualified health expenses are tax-free.
Direct Provider Negotiations: Some employers aim to leverage their market power by negotiating health care costs directly with providers, bypassing traditional insurance networks and optimally reducing both employer and employee health care coverage costs.
Virtual Care and Digital Solutions: By expanding access to telemedicine and wellness technology, some employers hope to reduce reliance on costly in-person services.

These measures reflect innovation but deliver incremental relief—not full-scale solutions.

The Long-Term Financial Landscape

For U.S. Bancorp and other large employers, the question isn't whether health care costs will rise—it's how to prepare for the continuing upward trend. Some firms have created dedicated reserve funds to buffer volatility; others link executive incentives to cost containment efforts. These strategies favor proactive planning, aligning financial discipline with long-term performance.

The Human Factor

Health care spending isn't merely an expense; for companies like U.S. Bancorp, maintaining a healthy, engaged workforce is essential to productivity and loyalty. Overly aggressive cost trimming may produce short-term savings but often leads to higher absenteeism and turnover, eroding future competitiveness. Organizations that approach health care as an investment in human capital may be better placed to balance budget priorities with workforce resilience.

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Final Thoughts

Health care costs in the U.S. are forecast to rise at levels not seen in more than a decade, with employer-sponsored coverage poised for the steepest annual increase since 2011. U.S. Bancorp and other employers must weigh fiscal responsibility against supporting employee well-being—a balance vital to long-term viability.

Wealth Enhancement advocates crafting strategies that help preserve competitiveness while supporting employees’ health. A 65-year-old retiring in 2025 may need as much as $172,500 to cover health care expenses in retirement—up nearly 4% from the previous year ⁷ —highlighting how health care inflation deeply affects future financial commitments.

Employers’ rising health care costs resemble a rising tide: gradual increases may go unnoticed at first, but soon every anchored vessel—every business—is impacted. U.S. Bancorp and others must consistently adapt benefits design to meet this challenge, maintaining workforce engagement and long-term financial strength.

Sources:

1. Mercer. ' Employers prepare for the highest health benefit cost increase in 15 years ,' by Beth Umland and Sunit Patel. September 3, 2025.

2. Aon. ' U.S. Employer Health Care Costs Expected to Rise 9.5 Percent In 2026 ,' September 10, 2025.

3. PwC Health Research Institute. ' Medical Cost Trend: Behind the Numbers 2026 ,' 16 July 2025.

4. KFF. ' 2024 E mployer Health Benefits Survey ,' October 9, 2024.

5. American Hospital Association. ' America’s Hospitals and Health Systems Continue to Face Escalating Operational Costs and Economic Pressures ,' Apr. 2024.

6. Health Services Research. ' Research and policy to strengthen the employer-sponsored health insurance market ,' April 25, 2022.

7. Fidelity Investments. “ How to Plan for Rising Health Care Costs ,” September 5, 2025.

How does the U.S. Bank Legacy Pension Plan calculate the Final Average Total Pay and Final Average Base Pay for employees, and what implications might these calculations have for retirement planning? What factors should employees at U.S. Bank consider when planning for their eventual retirement based on their pay history?

The U.S. Bank Legacy Pension Plan calculates Final Average Total Pay by taking the average of an employee's Total Pension Pay for the five consecutive calendar years during the last ten years of employment that provide the highest average. Similarly, Final Average Base Pay is calculated by averaging the Base Pension Pay for the same five-year period. Total Pension Pay includes base pay plus commissions, bonuses, and overtime, while Base Pension Pay only includes base salary and a few other components such as shift differentials and premium pay. These calculations significantly affect retirement planning, as higher pay during the last years of employment can lead to a more substantial pension benefit(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

What steps does U.S. Bank require for employees who wish to commence their pension benefits, and how does the timing of this commencement affect the benefits they will ultimately receive? Employees at U.S. Bank should understand the critical timelines associated with the retirement process, including the importance of initiating their requests within specific timeframes.

Employees who wish to commence their pension benefits must initiate the process at least 30 to 90 days before their intended benefit commencement date. The timing affects the benefits, as early retirement (before age 65) results in reduced monthly benefits due to the extended period over which benefits are paid. Conversely, delaying the commencement of benefits until the full retirement age (65) or later ensures the maximum monthly pension benefit(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

What are the different forms of payment options available under the U.S. Bank Legacy Pension Plan, and how might these options change based on the employeeâ€™s age and years of service? U.S. Bank employees need clarity on how to choose the best payment option to meet their individual needs in retirement.

The Plan offers several payment options, including a single life annuity, joint and survivor annuities (50%, 75%, or 100%), and estate protection annuities. These options can vary based on the employee's age and years of service. For example, younger employees may have a reduced monthly benefit if they choose early retirement, while older employees nearing or beyond age 65 will receive full benefits without reduction. The employee's choice of annuity type also affects the monthly payout and survivor benefits(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

How does U.S. Bank ensure the security of employees' pension plan information and personal benefits data, and what measures should employees take to protect their information? Employees should be informed about the companyâ€™s security protocols and best practices for safeguarding sensitive information related to their pension.

U.S. Bank implements several security measures, including encouraging employees to use strong, unique passwords for accessing benefit information and enabling multifactor authentication. Employees should also regularly monitor their account for unauthorized transactions, update contact information to receive notices, and use secure networks when accessing their pension plan data(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

In the event that an employee at U.S. Bank undergoes reemployment after retirement, how does this impact their pension benefits and what should they be aware of regarding benefit accrual? Employees need guidance on how transitioning back to work could affect their pension plans and retirement strategies.

If a retired U.S. Bank employee is rehired, their pension payments continue as usual. However, they will not accrue any additional benefits under the Legacy Pension Plan but may be eligible for participation in the Legacy 2010 Cash Balance Portion of the Plan. It is essential for rehired employees to understand the implications on their pension accrual and benefits(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

What are the eligibility requirements for participation in the U.S. Bank Legacy Pension Plan, and how do changes in employment status affect an employee's pension benefits? U.S. Bank staff should have a comprehensive understanding of eligibility criteria and how various employment changes can impact their pension rights.

Eligibility is limited to employees who had earned a benefit before January 1, 2020, or those rehired in an eligible position. Employment status changes, such as termination or reemployment, can affect whether an employee remains in the Plan. For example, employees rehired after January 1, 2020, may not accrue additional benefits under the Legacy Pension Plan(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

What specific rights do U.S. Bank employees have under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) in relation to their pension plan benefits, and how can they enforce these rights? U.S. Bank employees must be made aware of their legal rights to access plan information and contest any disputes regarding their benefits.

Employees have rights under ERISA to access plan information, file claims, and appeal denied claims. U.S. Bank employees can enforce these rights by submitting claims or appealing denials through the Plan's claims and appeals procedures. Additionally, employees may bring legal action if they exhaust the Plan's internal processes(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

How does U.S. Bancorp ensure that its pension plan complies with current IRS limits, and what should employees know about potential tax implications on their pension benefits? Clear communication from U.S. Bank regarding tax consequences and IRS guidelines for retirement benefits is crucial for employees to manage their finances effectively post-retirement.

The Plan adheres to IRS regulations, including limits on annual earnings ($330,000 in 2023) that can be considered for pension benefit calculations. Employees should understand the potential tax implications on their pension distributions and are encouraged to consult tax advisors to ensure proper tax handling(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

What processes are in place for U.S. Bank employees to file claims or appeals if they believe they are entitled to additional benefits under the pension plan? Employees at U.S. Bank should be informed about the claims process and know their options for seeking justice if their claims are disputed.

Employees can file claims or appeals by contacting U.S. Bank Employee Services or accessing the Plan’s claims procedures. Deadlines apply, and employees must submit claims within the specified time limits to avoid losing their rights to additional benefits(US Bancorp_January 2023…).

How can U.S. Bank employees contact the company for further assistance regarding the U.S. Bank Legacy Pension Plan, and what resources are available to them through the Employee Services division? Itâ€™s essential that U.S. Bank staff knows how to reach out for support regarding their retirement benefits and understands the services provided to help them navigate their pension plans.

Employees can contact U.S. Bank Employee Services by calling 800-806-7009 and selecting "Savings and retirement." Additionally, the Your Total Rewards website provides 24/7 access to pension information and support. Employees are encouraged to use these resources for assistance with their pension plan(US Bancorp_January 2023…).