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

Berkshire hathaway Employees May Face Rising Health Care Premiums in 2026

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Berkshire Hathaway: UnitedHealth Group Blog Post Paragraph on Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look toward 2026, Berkshire Hathaway employees and many others in the United States may face significant challenges with healthcare costs. Current projections indicate that average premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans could rise sharply, with some states experiencing increases of over 60%. This surge is largely attributed to the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, alongside escalating medical costs driven by factors such as expensive medications and hospital services. Experts warn that without renewed subsidies, millions of consumers could see their premiums more than double, putting healthcare access at risk for a substantial portion of the population. Consequently, proactive steps to manage these anticipated rises, such as optimizing health plan selections and maximizing health savings accounts, will be essential for both employees and employers alike. Click here to learn more

'Rising health care premiums and the potential loss of ACA subsidies highlight the importance for Berkshire hathaway employees to begin reviewing budgets and planning ahead for how these costs may affect both household expenses and long-term retirement goals.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'With ACA subsidies set to expire and premiums projected to climb, Berkshire hathaway employees should proactively evaluate their health care costs so they can adapt their household budgets without compromising long-term retirement planning.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why health care premiums are expected to rise sharply in 2026.
How the expiration of ACA subsidies will affect families and employees.
Ways households can get ready for these cost changes.

By Wealth Enhancement's Michael Corgiat

In recent weeks, many Berkshire hathaway employees have begun preparing for potential changes in 2026 health insurance premiums. The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) expanded subsidies have played a key role in helping households keep monthly costs manageable. These subsidies are set to lapse at the end of this year, creating the possibility of serious budget strains.

Currently, many families pay only a few hundred dollars a month for full coverage. Beginning January 1, those same households may see premiums jump to $1,800 or more per month. ¹ Premiums would rise even higher for families whose incomes exceed 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL). ¹ For Berkshire hathaway households, this shift could bring new difficulties in balancing income, health coverage, and retirement contributions.

Why Premiums Are Increasing

The enhanced ACA subsidies were first introduced in 2021 through the American Rescue Plan, then extended by the Inflation Reduction Act through 2025. These provisions were aimed at middle-class families earning too much to qualify for traditional subsidies but still facing rising health care costs. Unless new law is passed, these benefits will end this year.

At the same time, insurers are preparing to raise their base rates for 2026. A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows the median proposed increase is 18% nationwide. ² For Berkshire hathaway employees, losing subsidy support while also seeing higher base rates may impose extra strain in planning out their budgets.

Effect on Individuals

For households, the issue is deeply personal. One couple reported their premium will rise from under $300 to nearly $1,800 next year, ³ forcing hard decisions like cutting back on food, dental care, or other essentials. Berkshire hathaway families may face comparable trade-offs as premiums climb.

Parents have voiced concern about their children’s coverage, especially as recent policy changes roll back Medicaid expansions. Choices made assuming children remain healthy would need to shift in the event of unexpected illness. This uncertainty makes it hard for families—including those in Berkshire hathaway households—to plan for the future.

The Broader Picture

This issue is large in scale. In 2025, over 90% of ACA participants made use of enhanced subsidies, with more than 24 million Americans covered through the ACA marketplace. ⁴ Many in states with high enrollment depended heavily on the extra assistance.

Analysts estimate that if subsidies expire, about 4.8 million Americans could lose coverage in 2026. ¹ In some states, for Berkshire hathaway employees earning around $113,000 per year, a plan that now costs about $112/month with subsidies could cost about $1,600/month without them—nearly $18,000/year. ⁵

Ways to Get Ready

While what happens in Washington is still uncertain, Berkshire hathaway employees might consider taking steps now:

1. Consider High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs): Some of these have lower base premiums and, when paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA), provide tax benefits and a way to put aside funds for medical costs.
2. Revisit Emergency Funds: A robust cash reserve can help cover unexpected medical bills without derailing retirement saving.
3. Emphasize Preventive Care in 2025: Getting dental work, screenings, and exams done now while subsidies remain in force could reduce costs later.
4. Adjust Household Budgets: Rising premiums may mean reallocating expenses or finding ways to bring in more income.
5. Stay Alert When Enrollment Opens: Notices arrive in October, with open enrollment starting November 1. Careful comparison of health plan choices is very important for Berkshire hathaway households.

Ripples in Other Areas

Higher premiums don’t just affect health coverage—they also ripple into retirement contributions, lifestyle decisions, and overall household resilience. For many Berkshire hathaway families, higher health care costs may mean cutting back on retirement contributions, changing saving habits, or limiting discretionary spending.

The possible end of enhanced subsidies highlights how fragile the balance is between health care costs and longer-term plans. For many, this is not just about insurance but about preparing for a stable retirement.

Looking Ahead

There is still a chance Congress could extend subsidies and provide relief for millions. Until then, the best path is to plan for increased expenses. As one client said: “It feels like we’re going backward. The ACA made insurance affordable for years, but now we risk losing that progress.” Berkshire hathaway employees, along with millions of others, are watching as decisions in Washington may heavily impact their household budgets.

Conclusion

The expected 18% increase in base premiums, combined with the end of ACA subsidies, underscores the strong link between health care costs and household budgeting. With over 24 million Americans enrolled in ACA coverage, many—including Berkshire hathaway families—may face substantial pressure on their finances.

Taking action now through preventive care, comparing plan options, and adjusting budgets may soften the blow. Studies show that adults aged 50 to 64 will be among those hardest hit: close to 5 million people in that age group may see average annual health insurance cost increases of more than $4,000 if premium tax credits lapse. ⁶

The end of enhanced tax credits feels much like reaching the final stretch of a long journey just as gas prices double. The health plan is still the same vehicle, but every mile now costs more. Berkshire hathaway households, like millions across the country, may need to rethink how they move forward under these new cost pressures.

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Sources:

1. Urban Institute. ' 4.8 Million People Will Lose Coverage in 2026 If Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ,' by Buettgens, Matthew, Michael Simpson, Jason Levitis, Fernando Hernandez-Lepe, and Jessica Banthin. September 17, 2025.

2. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). ' How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2026 ,' by Jared Ortaliza, Matt McGough, Kaitlyn Vu, Imani Telesford, Shameek Rakshit, Emma Wager, Lynne Cotter, and Cynthia Cox. 6 Aug. 2025.

3. KFF Health News. ' Considering a Life Change? Brace for Higher ACA Costs ,' by Julie Appleby. August 12, 2025.

4. KFF Quick Takes. ' More Than 3 in 4 Marketplace Enrollees Live in States Won by President Trump in 2024 ,' by Emma Wager. October 3, 2025.

5. NBC News. ' Families on Obamacare brace for higher health care premiums next year ,' by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.. September 13, 2025.

6. AARP. ' Enhanced Premium Tax Credit Expiration Threatens Affordable Health Coverage for Nearly 5 Million Midlife Adults Ages 50 to 64 ,' by Jane Sung and Ollivia Dean. April 2025.

How does the merger of the Johns Manville Employees Retirement Plan into the Berkshire Hathaway Consolidated Pension Plan specifically affect the retirement benefits for current employees at Johns Manville? In what ways can eligible employees of Johns Manville leverage the benefits of this merger to maximize their retirement planning?

Impact of Merger on Current Employees' Retirement Benefits: The merger of the Johns Manville Employees Retirement Plan into the Berkshire Hathaway Consolidated Pension Plan does not decrease the pension benefits previously earned by employees under their prior plans. Employees continue to receive the same benefits with the same payment options as provided by their prior plan. Any previous payment elections, beneficiary designations, and qualified domestic relations orders remain effective. This consolidation also maintains the insurance of pension benefits through the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

What are the implications for employees of Johns Manville if they choose to retire early prior to their Normal Retirement Age? How do the specific conditions set forth in the Berkshire Hathaway Consolidated Pension Plan guide early retirees from Johns Manville in making informed decisions regarding their benefit options?

Implications of Early Retirement: Employees of Johns Manville who choose to retire early, before their Normal Retirement Age, can still receive benefits. However, these benefits are adjusted based on the age of retirement. If an employee retires at 60, for instance, their monthly benefit payment from the plan will be reduced by a certain percentage for each month that the benefit payments start before the Normal Retirement Age. This reduction compensates for the longer period over which benefits are expected to be paid.

Given the unique characteristics of the Merged Plan, what should employees at Johns Manville consider when calculating their Average Final Salary, and how does this calculation impact their retirement benefits? Additionally, how is Covered Compensation factored into this adjustment, and what strategies can employees employ to ensure accurate calculations?

Calculation of Average Final Salary and Covered Compensation: When calculating the Average Final Salary for retirement benefits, it includes the highest-paid, five consecutive years out of the last ten years of employment. This calculation impacts the retirement benefits as it forms part of the formula used to determine the pension amount. Additionally, Covered Compensation, which refers to the average of the Social Security wage bases, is used to adjust portions of the salary in the benefits calculation, ensuring that the benefits align with national wage growth trends.

How can employees of Johns Manville navigate the various options available for retirement benefit payments outlined in the Berkshire Hathaway Consolidated Pension Plan? What key points should Johns Manville employees consider regarding the selection of forms of payment and potential tax implications in retirement?

Navigating Retirement Benefit Payment Options: Employees of Johns Manville need to consider the form of payment for their retirement benefits, as different options can have different tax implications and affect monthly income. Options typically include lump sums, annuities, or a combination. Employees should consider their financial needs, tax situation, and life expectancy when choosing the form of payment. Consulting with a financial advisor could be beneficial.

For employees at Johns Manville, what steps should they take to stay informed about their accumulated service and benefit service credits, particularly in relation to the changes brought about by the merger into the Berkshire Hathaway Consolidated Pension Plan? How do vested rights impact their eligibility for retirement benefits?

Staying Informed About Service Credits: To manage the transition and keep track of their service credits post-merger, Johns Manville employees should regularly review their service and benefit statements, maintain communication with the plan administrator, and attend any informational meetings or seminars offered by Berkshire Hathaway. Understanding how service credits are calculated and tracked ensures that employees can accurately plan for retirement.

What is the process for reemployment under the Terms of the Merged Plan for former employees of Johns Manville, and how can they ensure their accumulated benefit service is credited effectively upon rehire? What are the implications of this reemployment on their retirement benefits, particularly concerning their previous employment history?

Reemployment and Accumulated Benefits: Reemployed former employees of Johns Manville should verify how their accumulated benefits are treated upon their rehire. Generally, benefits accumulated during previous periods of employment will be credited upon rehire, but specific plan provisions should be consulted to confirm how reemployment affects accrued benefits and eligibility for additional benefits.

What do the terms of the Berkshire Hathaway Consolidated Pension Plan dictate regarding disability retirement benefits for eligible employees at Johns Manville? How should employees approach the application process for disability benefits, and what criteria do they need to be aware of to qualify?

Disability Retirement Benefits: Eligible employees of Johns Manville who become disabled according to the terms of the plan may qualify for disability retirement benefits. The process involves a determination by the plan administrator, and employees must meet specific criteria outlined in the plan documents to qualify. Understanding these criteria and the required documentation is crucial for accessing disability benefits.

How can employees of Johns Manville ensure they have adequate protection for their beneficiaries under the retirement provisions outlined in the Berkshire Hathaway Consolidated Pension Plan? What specific steps can employees take to secure these benefits, and how can they keep their beneficiary designations updated?

Beneficiary Protections: Employees should regularly review and update their beneficiary designations to ensure that their retirement benefits are distributed according to their wishes upon their death. This includes making any necessary changes following life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

How does participation in the Merged Plan differ for salaried and hourly employees of Johns Manville, and what specific eligibility criteria apply to each group? How can understanding these differences improve retirement planning for employees across the different classifications?

Differences in Participation for Salaried and Hourly Employees: The eligibility and benefits might differ between salaried and hourly employees under the Merged Plan. Understanding these differences helps employees make informed decisions about their retirement planning and benefit utilization.

How can employees of Johns Manville contact the Local Benefits Administrator for assistance regarding their retirement benefits and the contents of their plan documents? What are the recommended methods of communication for inquiries or requests regarding their Merged Plan benefits?

Contacting Local Benefits Administrator: Employees should contact their Local Benefits Administrator for any inquiries or assistance regarding their retirement plan. Keeping the contact information updated and consulting the administrator for guidance on plan provisions and benefit claims is advised for navigating their retirement benefits effectively.

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

Berkshire Hathaway offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan provides retirement income based on years of service and final average pay. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. Berkshire Hathaway provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Berkshire Hathaway has agreed to a $10 million settlement in a long-running pension dispute involving Acme Brick. The company continues to offer comprehensive retirement benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k) plan. In today's political climate, it is important to stay informed about these benefits.

Berkshire Hathaway does not typically offer RSUs or stock options as part of its employee compensation packages, focusing on other forms of financial incentives and benefits.