Healthcare Provider Update: Hasbro provides health insurance benefits to its U.S. employees, including medical, dental, and prescription coverage. The company supports employee wellness through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, and an onsite fitness center. Additional benefits include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and pet insurance 3. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more
“In light of projected Medicare Part B premium increases, Hasbro 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, Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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. Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro 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 Hasbro employees relying on Social Security should plan for most of their increase to be offset.
Strategic Planning Tips
To manage rising health care costs, Hasbro 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. Hasbro 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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- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- 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 Hasbro's 401(k) plan?
Hasbro's 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for retirement.
How does Hasbro match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Hasbro offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.
When can employees at Hasbro start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Employees at Hasbro can begin contributing to the 401(k) plan after completing their initial eligibility period, which is typically outlined in the employee handbook.
What investment options are available in Hasbro's 401(k) plan?
Hasbro's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees grow their retirement savings.
Can employees at Hasbro take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Hasbro allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan document.
What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Hasbro?
If you leave Hasbro, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.
Does Hasbro offer financial education resources for employees regarding the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hasbro provides financial education resources and workshops to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
Are there any fees associated with Hasbro's 401(k) plan?
Yes, Hasbro's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents provided to employees.
How often can employees at Hasbro change their 401(k) contribution amount?
Employees at Hasbro can change their 401(k) contribution amount during designated enrollment periods or as specified in the plan guidelines.
What is the vesting schedule for Hasbro's 401(k) matching contributions?
Hasbro has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matching funds.