Healthcare Provider Update: Carlyle Group Healthcare Provider Information: Carlyle Group, a prominent global investment firm, partners with various healthcare providers across a wide array of sectors. Notably, they engage with companies involved in healthcare delivery, pharmaceuticals, medical products, healthcare technology, and digital health services. Their strategic investments focus on driving performance and enabling growth within these areas, thus contributing to a transformative approach in the global healthcare landscape. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, primarily due to a combination of escalating medical expenses and the potential expiration of federal premium subsidies. Reports indicate that health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans may increase by an average of 20%, with some states seeing hikes exceed 60%. Without congressional intervention, over 22 million enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium jumps of over 75%, exacerbating the financial burden on consumers. As the healthcare industry navigates these challenges, it's essential for individuals to prepare for heightened costs in the coming year. Click here to learn more
“In light of projected Medicare Part B premium increases, Carlyle Group employees should proactively adjust their retirement income projections and consult with a financial advisor to address rising health care expenses.” – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
“In anticipation of significant Medicare Part B premium hikes, Carlyle Group employees would benefit from integrating health care cost projections into their retirement plans and seeking guidance from professional advisors on potential relief strategies.” – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article we will discuss:
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The upcoming Medicare Part B premium increase and its impact on retirement budgets.
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How Medicare Part B is funded and how COLA adjustments compare to premium hikes.
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Strategic planning tips to help Carlyle Group retirees manage rising health care costs.
There will soon be a significant shift in Medicare expenses that could affect your retirement budget. According to the 2025 Medicare Trustees Report, the average Part B premium will jump by 11.6%—rising from $185 in 2025 to $206.50 in 2026 1 —outpacing most Social Security cost of living adjustments (COLA) over the last decade. Carlyle Group employees should begin factoring this increase into their long-term financial plans.
Benefit Structure for Medicare Part B
Outpatient and preventative care are covered under Part B, including:
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- Cancer screenings, diagnostic procedures, and doctor visits
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- Durable medical equipment and mental health counseling
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- Prescription medications for outpatients and ambulance transportation
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- Skilled nursing services and home health care
In 2025, beneficiaries must pay a $185 monthly premium, a $257 annual deductible, and a 20% co-insurance on most services—important information for any Carlyle Group retiree’s annual budget.
History of Premiums (2015–2025)
Year | Standard Premium | Dollar Change | Percentage Change |
---|---|---|---|
2015 | — | — | — |
2016 | $121.80 | +$16.90 | 16.1% |
2017 | $134.00 | +$12.20 | 10.0% |
2018 | $134.00 | +$0.00 | 0.0% |
2019 | $135.50 | +$1.50 | 1.1% |
2020 | $144.60 | +$9.10 | 6.7% |
2021 | $148.50 | +$3.90 | 2.7% |
2022 | $170.10 | +$21.60 | 14.5% |
2023 | $164.90 | –$5.20 | –3.1% |
2024 | $174.70 | +$9.80 | 5.9% |
2025 | $185.00 | +$10.30 | 5.9% |
The 2022 increase—a 14.5% rise driven by higher drug costs and pandemic-related utilization—served as a warning sign that’s echoed in the projected 2026 jump.
Estimated Premiums (2026–2034)
Year | Estimated Premium | Dollar Growth | Percentage Growth |
---|---|---|---|
2026 | $206.50 | +$21.50 | 11.6% |
2027 | $218.60 | +$12.10 | 5.9% |
2028 | $231.30 | +$12.70 | 5.9% |
2029 | $247.40 | +$16.10 | 5.8% |
2030 | $264.70 | +$17.30 | 7.0% |
2031 | $281.60 | +$16.90 | 6.4% |
2032 | $300.80 | +$19.20 | 6.8% |
2033 | $325.90 | +$25.10 | 7.0% |
2034 | $347.50 | +$21.60 | 6.6% |
Part B premiums alone could approach $350 per month by 2034—a 231% increase since 2015—underscoring why Carlyle Group retirees should plan now to mitigate long-term budget shocks.
The Funding Mechanisms
There are two primary sources of funding for Medicare Part B:
1. 75% from general U.S. Treasury revenues
2. 25% from premiums paid by beneficiaries
Premium income reached $139.8 billion in 2024, 2 with additional support from brand name drug fees and trust fund interest—details that Carlyle Group retirees may find crucial when reviewing their future health care funding.
Cost of Living Adjustments vs. Premium Increases
In 2026, the “hold harmless” provision that protects most Social Security benefits from Part B hikes may not apply. The anticipated 2.5% Social Security COLA—roughly $50 per month—still falls short of the $21.50 premium increase. Only recipients with monthly benefits under $800 will see any net gain, so Carlyle Group employees relying on Social Security should plan for most of their increase to be offset.
Strategic Planning Tips
To manage rising health care costs, Carlyle Group employees should consider the following proactive steps:
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Forecast Health Care Inflation: Incorporate rising out-of-pocket costs and premiums into your annual budgeting.
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Compare Plans Online: Use the official Medicare Plan Finder to evaluate alternatives beyond agent recommendations.
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Manage IRMAA Exposures: Employ tax-sensitive strategies—such as income smoothing withdrawals—to help limit future surcharges.
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Explore Local Tax Relief: Research state and municipal programs offering property tax exemptions or rebates for seniors.
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Stress-Test Your Retirement Portfolio: Model health care inflation scenarios over multiple decades and adjust allocations to safeguard purchasing power.
Extended Consequences
By 2034, annual Part B costs alone could top $3,000–$4,000 if current trends persist—one of the fastest rising expense categories for retirement households. Carlyle Group retirees who plan early can navigate budgetary shocks to help maintain their lifestyle goals.
According to Wealth Enhancement’s Patrick Ray, this premium surge ranks among the steepest retirement cost increases, and prudent investors must factor health care inflation into their retirement forecasts to mitigate unwelcome surprises.
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- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
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- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
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Sources:
1. USA Today. ' Social Security 2026 COLA estimated at 2.7%, but much of it will go to Medicare Part B ,' by Medora Lee. 17 July 2025.
2. Boards of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds. ' 2025 Annual Report of the Boards of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance and Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Funds ,' U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 18 June 2025.
Other Resources:
1. Kaiser Family Foundation. “ FAQs on Medicare Financing and Trust Fund Solvency .” Kaiser Family Foundation, 15 June 2024.
3. Urban Institute. “ Applying a Premium Cap in Medicare Part B and Part D .” Urban Institute, Mar. 2023.
4. “ Social Security’s 2026 COLA: Recipients Could Get More Money Next Year .” LiveNOW from FOX, 15 June 2025.
5. Kiplinger Staff. “ Medicare Premiums 2026: Projected IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and D .” Kiplinger, 26 June 2025.
What is the 401(k) plan offered by Carlyle Group?
The 401(k) plan at Carlyle Group is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them to build a nest egg for retirement.
How does Carlyle Group match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Carlyle Group offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit, which enhances the overall savings potential for employees.
What is the eligibility criteria for Carlyle Group's 401(k) plan?
Employees of Carlyle Group are generally eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, usually within the first year of employment.
Can employees of Carlyle Group change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees of Carlyle Group can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year, allowing for flexibility in their savings strategy.
What investment options are available in Carlyle Group's 401(k) plan?
Carlyle Group's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their retirement savings.
Is there a vesting schedule for Carlyle Group's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, Carlyle Group has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning that employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the employer's contributions.
How can employees of Carlyle Group access their 401(k) account information?
Employees of Carlyle Group can access their 401(k) account information through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Carlyle Group?
If an employee leaves Carlyle Group, they have several options regarding their 401(k) plan, including rolling over the balance to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving the funds in the Carlyle Group plan if permitted.
Are there any loans available against the 401(k) plan at Carlyle Group?
Carlyle Group may allow employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.
What is the process for enrolling in Carlyle Group's 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in Carlyle Group's 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding process or during open enrollment periods, typically through the benefits portal.