Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Corteva: Corteva Agriscience primarily offers health benefits through large health insurance carriers, including UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. These providers generally offer a range of healthcare plans tailored to Corteva employees, which may include options for health savings accounts (HSAs) and preventative care services. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, influenced by multiple factors affecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Insurers anticipate premium hikes averaging around 20%, with some states reporting increases exceeding 60%. This surge is largely driven by escalating medical expenses and the potential expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, translating to an expected 75% increase in out-of-pocket costs for many enrollees. For Corteva employees, this scenario underscores the importance of strategic healthcare planning as rising costs could substantially impact access to affordable coverage. Click here to learn more
'Rising health care premiums and the potential loss of ACA subsidies highlight the importance for Corteva 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, Corteva 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:
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Why health care premiums are expected to rise sharply in 2026.
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How the expiration of ACA subsidies will affect families and employees.
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Ways households can get ready for these cost changes.
By Wealth Enhancement's Michael Corgiat
In recent weeks, many Corteva 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 Corteva 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 Corteva 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. Corteva 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 Corteva 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 Corteva 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, Corteva employees might consider taking steps now:
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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.
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2. Revisit Emergency Funds: A robust cash reserve can help cover unexpected medical bills without derailing retirement saving.
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3. Emphasize Preventive Care in 2025: Getting dental work, screenings, and exams done now while subsidies remain in force could reduce costs later.
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4. Adjust Household Budgets: Rising premiums may mean reallocating expenses or finding ways to bring in more income.
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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 Corteva 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 Corteva 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.” Corteva 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 Corteva 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. Corteva 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 Corteva Agriscience determine the eligibility criteria for employees to participate in the Pension and Retirement Plan, and what implications does this have for employees who were hired before or after January 1, 2007? Specifically, in what ways could this eligibility impact employees looking to retire within the next few years as they assess their planned benefits?
Eligibility Criteria: Employees at Corteva Agriscience are eligible to participate in the Pension and Retirement Plan based on their hire date. Those hired before January 1, 2007, are generally eligible for the plan, while those hired afterward are excluded. This eligibility distinction significantly affects employees planning to retire in the next few years, as those hired before 2007 may be able to rely on pension benefits in addition to other savings(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
What are the different methods available for calculating retirement benefits under Corteva Agriscience's Pension and Retirement Plan? In particular, how do these calculations accommodate variations in years of service and average monthly compensation, and what considerations must employees account for when estimating their final retirement benefits?
Methods for Calculating Retirement Benefits: Corteva Agriscience offers different methods to calculate retirement benefits, including Formula A, B, and C. These formulas consider factors such as years of service and average monthly compensation. The formulas accommodate variations in service years, and employees must evaluate which formula provides the highest benefits based on their individual circumstances, including any service accrued before the Benefit Freeze Date(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
How does Corteva Agriscience address early retirement options for employees, and what factors contribute to the potential reduction of pension benefits for those opting for early retirement? Analyze the balance between the desirability of early retirement and the financial implications it entails for employees at Corteva Agriscience.
Early Retirement Options: Employees may opt for early retirement, typically available from age 50 with 15 years of eligibility service. However, retiring early could reduce pension benefits based on a percentage reduction for each year before normal retirement age. Employees must carefully balance the attractiveness of early retirement with potential reductions in their pension benefits(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
In what ways does Corteva Agriscience ensure that employees understand their rights and options regarding survivor benefits? What steps should employees take to designate beneficiaries effectively, and how might the choice of survivor benefit options affect long-term financial security for families after an employee's death?
Survivor Benefits: Corteva Agriscience provides survivor benefits, including options like joint and survivor annuities. Employees can designate a spouse or other beneficiaries to receive benefits after their death, ensuring long-term financial security for their families. Employees should regularly update beneficiary information and carefully consider how their choice of survivor benefits impacts their family’s financial security(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
How does Corteva Agriscience's pension plan accommodate transfers between affiliated companies? Specifically, what rules govern the continuity of benefits, and how might a transfer impact the benefits accrued under the Pension and Retirement Plan, particularly for those moving between different titles of the plan?
Transfers Between Affiliated Companies: The pension plan allows for the continuity of benefits when transferring between Corteva’s affiliated companies. Transfers after specific dates between titles (e.g., DuPont, Pioneer) continue to earn benefits under the initial plan, which helps employees preserve their accrued benefits when moving between titles within the company(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
What strategies can employees at Corteva Agriscience employ to maximize their retirement savings given the current limits set by the IRS for 2024? Discuss the potential implications of these limits on employee contributions and how the pension plan can work in conjunction with the employees' broader financial planning.
Maximizing Retirement Savings: Employees can maximize their retirement savings by contributing the maximum allowed under IRS limits for 2024. Since the pension plan is a defined benefit plan, it works alongside personal savings and the Retirement Savings Plan to provide comprehensive retirement support. Strategic contributions to 401(k) and other savings vehicles can complement the pension benefits(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
How does Corteva Agriscience manage the funding of its Pension and Retirement Plan to ensure that it meets current obligations? Additionally, what role do anticipated changes in employee demographics play in shaping Corteva's approach to future pension fund viability?
Pension Funding and Viability: Corteva Agriscience manages its Pension and Retirement Plan by monitoring funding levels to meet obligations. Anticipated changes in employee demographics, such as increasing retirements, shape the company’s strategy to maintain long-term pension viability and ensure that benefits are funded adequately(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
What are the potential benefits and limitations of participating in Corteva Agriscience's Pension and Retirement Plan for employees nearing retirement, and how do those factors influence their decision-making process regarding when to retire?
Benefits for Employees Nearing Retirement: Employees nearing retirement may benefit from Corteva Agriscience’s plan if they qualify under the eligibility criteria. However, the plan's limitations, including the Benefit Freeze Date and early retirement reductions, may influence their decision on when to retire. Employees must weigh these factors when assessing their overall retirement strategy(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
How can employees contact Corteva Agriscience to gain further insight or clarification regarding their benefits under the Pension and Retirement Plan? What resources does Corteva provide to facilitate communication and ensure that employees are well-informed about their retirement options?
Contacting Corteva for Clarification: Employees can contact Corteva’s pension recordkeeper for further clarification on their benefits by reaching out to the contacts listed in the plan’s summary. Corteva provides resources like the retirement kit to help employees understand their options(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
What legal and administrative steps must employees at Corteva Agriscience take when they experience changes in employment status or when filing claims related to their pension benefits? How does the administrative structure of the Pension and Retirement Plan influence these processes, and what resources are available to assist employees in navigating them?
Legal and Administrative Steps: Employees must notify the Pension and Retirement Plan administrator about changes in employment status and follow formal procedures when filing claims. Administrative processes are governed by plan-specific rules, and resources like Corteva Connection are available to assist employees through these processes(Corteva_Agriscience_Pen…).
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