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

WestRock Employees May Face Rising Health Care Premiums in 2026

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for WestRock: WestRock employees typically receive their health care benefits through various providers as part of employer-sponsored insurance plans. Specific details on the primary healthcare provider may vary, but it's known that large companies like WestRock often collaborate with major insurers. To identify the exact provider, employees should consult their HR department, which can provide the most accurate and relevant information. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As WestRock prepares for 2026, employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. With the expiration of enhanced federal ACA subsidies and rising medical costs, many workers could face steep premium hikes, potentially exceeding 75%. A recent survey indicates that nearly half of large employers, including WestRock, anticipate transferring more healthcare expenses to employees, raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. This evolving landscape highlights the importance for WestRock employees to understand their benefits and mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

'Rising health care premiums and the potential loss of ACA subsidies highlight the importance for WestRock 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, WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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. WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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, WestRock 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 WestRock 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 WestRock 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.” WestRock 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 WestRock 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. WestRock 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 WestRock Company Consolidated Pension Plan specifically calculate the Normal Retirement Benefit for its employees, and what considerations should employees be aware of regarding the Final Average Pay calculation used by WestRock Company?

Normal Retirement Benefit Calculation: The WestRock Company calculates the Normal Retirement Benefit based on the employee's Final Average Pay. This is defined as the average of the employee's highest five years of earnings over the last ten years of employment before termination. Earnings included in the Final Average Pay are most wages, bonuses, commissions, and amounts deferred under the company’s 401(k) plan. Employees should be aware that earnings after December 31, 2015, are excluded unless they qualify under the Rule of 75(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Disability Retirement Pension under the WestRock Company plan, and how does this differ for Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants within the WestRock Company workforce?

Disability Retirement Pension Eligibility: To qualify for a Disability Retirement Pension, an employee must have earned at least five years of Vesting Service and be deemed "totally and permanently disabled" according to specific criteria. Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants are subject to special rules detailed in the Legacy Supplement. Legacy Mead employees must apply separate criteria from Legacy Westvaco employees(WestRock Company_Issued…).

In what ways can employees at WestRock Company manage and maximize their Vesting Service to ensure they receive the full benefits from the companyâ€™s pension plan, particularly for those with interrupted service or re-employment?

Vesting Service Maximization: WestRock employees can manage their Vesting Service by ensuring that they complete at least five years of service, which guarantees their right to pension benefits. Employees with interrupted service can still receive credit for Vesting Service if they return within five years. Additionally, employees who leave and return within a year will receive credit for the time they were absent(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company handle the transition of benefits for employees who transfer between different positions within the company, and what impacts could this have on their eventual retirement benefits?

Transfer Between Positions: When WestRock employees transfer between different positions, their retirement benefit is calculated based on the greater of two methods. The first method calculates the benefit accrued at each position separately, while the second method applies the total benefit service across positions. Vesting Service is always combined, regardless of location or position(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company plan ensure that pension benefits are protected, particularly through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and what should employees know about their rights and guarantees under this insurance?

Pension Benefit Protection (PBGC): The WestRock Pension Plan is insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). This federal insurance guarantees that employees will receive their vested pension benefits even if the plan is terminated. Employees should understand that PBGC coverage has limits, and benefits might be reduced under certain circumstances(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the consequences for WestRock Company employees who choose to withdraw from their pension plan or to rollover their benefits upon retirement or termination? How can they navigate these options effectively to avoid penalties?

Withdrawals and Rollovers: Employees can withdraw or roll over their pension benefits upon retirement or termination. Lump-sum withdrawals may be subject to taxes unless rolled over into a qualifying retirement account. Employees should consult the WestRock Benefits Center to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal tax regulations(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company maintain compliance with federal regulations and best practices under ERISA, and what specific rights do employees have concerning their pension benefits?

ERISA Compliance: WestRock complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), ensuring that employees' pension rights are protected. Employees have the right to receive information about their benefits, act prudently, and enforce their rights through the claims and appeals process outlined in the plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What resources are available to employees of WestRock Company for understanding their benefits under the Consolidated Pension Plan, and how can they utilize these resources to ensure they make informed decisions about their retirement?

Resources for Understanding Benefits: WestRock provides employees access to the WestRock Benefits Center, where they can obtain information on their pension plan. Employees are encouraged to review the Summary Plan Description and consult with the Benefits Center for clarification on their benefits and to make informed retirement decisions(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How will the integration of employee benefits from various company acquisitions impact current staff at WestRock Company, and what steps is the company taking to communicate these changes effectively to its employees?

Impact of Acquisitions on Benefits: WestRock has acquired various companies over time, and employees from these acquisitions may have different pension rules applied to them. WestRock takes steps to integrate these employees and communicates any changes through the WestRock Benefits Center. Special rules may apply based on the previous employer’s pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How can employees of WestRock Company get in touch with the WestRock Benefits Center to seek clarification about the Summary Plan Description, and what are the best practices to follow when requesting information regarding their pension plan?

Contacting the Benefits Center: Employees can contact the WestRock Benefits Center for clarification on the Summary Plan Description. Best practices include having detailed questions prepared, reviewing the SPD in advance, and requesting copies of documents or forms that clarify specific aspects of their pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).