Ernst & Young Employees Face Mounting Health Insurance Costs—How Rising Expenses Could Impact Financial Stability
Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young (EY) typically collaborates with various health insurance providers for employee healthcare benefits, depending on geographical location and specific healthcare needs. Major insurers that may be associated with EY include UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among others. The specific provider may vary based on individual employee requirements and the location of the business unit.
Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026
Healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly in 2026, largely driven by escalating insurance premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Recent analyses indicate that some states may see premium hikes exceeding 60%, as major insurers cite rising medical costs and the potential lapse of enhanced federal subsidies as key contributors. Without these subsidies, over 22 million enrollees could face out-of-pocket premium increases of upwards of 75%, creating a challenging financial landscape for many consumers as they navigate their healthcare expenses.
Click here to learn more
'Rising health care costs have become a silent strain on long-term financial wellness, and Ernst & Young employees should regularly evaluate their benefit options and adjust their retirement plans to keep pace with medical inflation,' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'With health care expenses climbing faster than wages or inflation, Ernst & Young employees must treat medical costs as a core part of their retirement strategy, not an afterthought, to maintain lasting financial resilience,' – Brent Wolf, CFP®, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
How rising health insurance costs are reshaping employee and retiree financial outlooks.
The impact of health care inflation on long-term retirement readiness and workforce dynamics.
Practical strategies to manage escalating medical expenses and maintain financial resilience.
Rising Health Insurance Costs Are Driving Growing Financial Difficulties
by Brent Wolf, CFP®, Wealth Enhancement
The rising cost of health insurance continues to strain budgets across the nation. For Ernst & Young workers and retirees, higher premiums expected for 2026 could significantly affect long-term fiscal outcomes. Pharmaceutical inflation, institutional inefficiencies, and soaring medical expenses have combined to make health care one of the most persistent budget pressures of this decade.
“One of the most destabilizing factors in personal finance is health care,” said Brent Wolf, CFP®, of Wealth Enhancement. Because premiums, copays, and deductibles tend to increase faster than both income and inflation,
1
even Ernst & Young professionals with competitive compensation packages may feel the tightening impact.
A Stressed-Out Health Care System
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) 2025 survey, employees now contribute $6,850 on average toward the annual cost of employer-sponsored family health coverage (with total premiums surpassing $26,993 nationwide)—an increase of roughly 7% from last year and up 26% since 2020.
2
Hospital consolidations, postponed care during the pandemic, and high prescription drug costs have created the perfect storm. As deferred treatments resume, utilization surges—leading insurers and large employers, such as Ernst & Young, to shift a greater portion of costs to workers.
According to Wolf, “the system is under immense pressure.” Retirees are seeing similar inflation in their Medicare supplement premiums, while employers are balancing how much of those costs to absorb versus pass on.
Medical breakthroughs, from targeted cancer therapies to weight-loss medications, are improving outcomes but driving costs higher. Meanwhile, for-profit intermediaries and opaque pricing structures continue to inflate overall health care spending.
3
The Unspoken Effect on Future Financial Readiness
Rising health care costs quietly eat into retirement readiness. Many Ernst & Young employees nearing retirement underestimate how much medical expenses may increase once paychecks stop.
“Most people include taxes and living expenses in their retirement plans, but they don’t consistently account for medical inflation,” Wolf explained. “Health care can easily consume 20% to 30% of a retiree’s budget—and that figure continues to grow each year.”
For current workers, rising premiums can limit 401(k) contributions or reduce savings rates. A Ernst & Young employee who reduces retirement plan contributions by $500 per month to offset health care costs could lose over $1 million in potential retirement assets over 30 years. “That’s the hidden cost few people calculate,” said Wolf.
Employers Reevaluating Their Position
Many corporations are reassessing how to balance premium subsidies and employee well-being. For companies like Ernst & Young, maintaining comprehensive health coverage is a key part of retaining experienced talent and safeguarding long-term productivity.
“Organizations that absorb a greater share of premiums typically see higher engagement, lower turnover, and stronger morale,” Wolf said. “While the upfront cost is high, the return is often a healthier, more stable workforce.”
However, smaller industry players and contractors may not have the same flexibility. Wolf advises workers to assess total compensation—including health care contributions—when evaluating job opportunities.
“It’s effectively a 5–10% raise if your employer covers half your premium,” Wolf added. “Recognizing those hidden compensation advantages is vital for long-term planning.”
How to Handle Medical Expenses
Wolf recommends several steps for Ernst & Young employees to manage health care costs and help strengthen long-term fiscal positioning:
1. Take full advantage of employer benefits. Use available premium-sharing programs, flexible savings accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs). HSAs, in particular, offer triple-tax advantages that can significantly reduce future health care burdens.
2. Incorporate medical cost inflation in retirement plans. Health care costs should be assumed to rise at least 5% annually, especially for those with chronic health concerns or long-term care needs.
3. Compare Medicare and supplemental plans carefully. Lower premiums can mask higher long-term expenses due to limited coverage or prescription restrictions.
4. Review coverage each year. The annual open enrollment period provides a chance to identify network changes or premium adjustments before they negatively affect your budget.
5. Plan early for long-term care. With private nursing home costs averaging more than $100,000 annually,
4
hybrid life insurance or long-term care coverage can help preserve accumulated assets.
The Wider Financial Consequences
Rising health care costs influence more than personal budgets—they shape national economic patterns, retirement timing, and workforce participation.
“Health care expenses pose a real threat to long-term wealth for many,” Wolf warned. “They affects when people can afford to retire, how long they remain in the workforce, and how sustainable their income will be afterward.”
According to KFF research, health care premiums grew 6% since 2024, compared to a 4% rise in worker earnings and a 2.7% rate of inflation.
2
For Ernst & Young employees, this imbalance underscores the need for proactive planning.
Creating a Long-Term Financial Structure
Wolf stresses that health care should be integrated into your overall financial strategy, not treated as a fixed expense. For Ernst & Young employees, that means crafting retirement and investment plans that can weather ongoing medical cost pressures.
“Finding the cheapest plan isn’t the goal,” Wolf said. “The goal is to build a financial structure that supports your family, your health, and your long-term fiscal well-being. Health care is not just a cost—it’s a cornerstone of long-term budget health.”
A study by Milliman Inc. found that a healthy 65-year-old retiring in 2025 may face lifetime health care costs of approximately $275,000 (men) to $313,000 (women) under Original Medicare with Medigap and Part D coverage.
5
Retiring five years earlier could increase those lifetime costs by roughly 56%.
5
Health care inflation—combined with premiums surpassing $25,000 per year and a 26% rise in health insurance costs since 2020—has created a new fiscal reality for Ernst & Young employees and retirees alike. By leveraging HSAs and FSAs, accounting for annual medical cost inflation, and reassessing coverage each year, individuals can take active steps toward conserving long-term budget health.
Think of health care expenses as a slow leak in your financial tank. Each copay or premium increase might seem minor, but over time, it drains the resources meant for a dependable retirement. Like a skilled engineer maintaining vital equipment, Ernst & Young employees must monitor their health care costs, plug fiscal leaks early, and fortify their plan before small issues become costly impairments.
About the Author
Financial planner Brent Wolf, CFP®, of Wealth Enhancement , focuses on health care expense planning and retirement income strategies. He helps clients align their medical coverage with broader fiscal goals to maintain long-term stability amid changing market and health care conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Ernst & Young offers a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and EY matches up to 6% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. EY provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Ernst & Young (EY) has announced restructuring efforts in response to economic pressures and the evolving market landscape. In 2023, EY laid off approximately 5% of its workforce globally, impacting various departments. The layoffs are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. Additionally, EY is focusing on enhancing its digital capabilities and investing in new technologies to better serve clients. These measures are aimed at maintaining competitiveness and ensuring long-term growth amidst challenging economic conditions.
Ernst & Young grants RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees shares upon vesting. They also provide stock options, allowing employees to buy shares at a set price.
Ernst & Young (EY) offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and well-being of its employees. For 2023, EY continued to provide robust healthcare options, including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. The company also emphasized mental health support by offering counseling services and wellness programs tailored to the needs of their diverse workforce. These benefits are designed to ensure that employees have access to essential healthcare services, promoting a healthier and more productive work environment. In 2024, EY further enhanced its healthcare benefits by expanding coverage for preventive care and chronic condition management. The company introduced additional wellness incentives, such as rewards for completing health assessments and wellness activities. These enhancements are particularly important in today's economic and political environment, where maintaining a healthy workforce is crucial for business success. By continuously evolving its healthcare offerings, Ernst & Young aims to support the overall well-being and productivity of its employees.
/General/General%209.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%209.png)
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)