Merck Employees Face 2026 Health Insurance Premium Surge: Preparing for Rising Costs

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Merck Merck & Co., Inc., commonly known as Merck, is a global leader in the healthcare sector, renowned for its innovative pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biologic therapies. As a prominent healthcare provider, Merck delivers a wide array of health solutions targeting various health conditions, particularly in areas such as immunology, oncology, and infectious diseases. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, healthcare costs are projected to rise significantly, primarily driven by the anticipated expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and growing medical expenses. Faced with an average premium increase of 18%, healthcare consumers may experience out-of-pocket costs climbing by over 75%. This situation is exacerbated by surging medical care prices, as hospitals and providers seek to balance inflationary pressures while maintaining profitability. As a result, many individuals may find themselves priced out of adequate health coverage, prompting essential discussions on the need for policy interventions. Click here to learn more

'Merck employees preparing for retirement should account for rising health care premiums as a core expense, and build flexibility into their plans today to help reduce the strain of unexpected costs tomorrow.' – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Merck employees nearing retirement should stress-test their plans for higher 2026 health care costs, review coverage options each year, and—when eligible—fund HSAs to keep cash flow resilient.' – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Why health insurance premiums are expected to rise significantly in 2026.

2. The unique challenges retirees face before becoming eligible for Medicare.

3. Practical strategies to help manage increasing health care expenses.

The Increase in Health Insurance Premiums in 2026: Consequences and Solutions

With over 300 Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace providers proposing premium rises of about 18% on average, ¹  health insurance costs are set to climb sharply in 2026. For those exiting the workforce before age 65, including Merck employees, this change creates a fiscal gap that calls for thoughtful preparation.

'Health care costs are often the single biggest surprise in retirement,' says Brent Wolf, CFP of Wealth Enhancement. Even the most carefully built retirement plan may be disrupted when premiums go up faster than expected. This highlights the need for Merck retirees to factor in health care expenses when creating retirement scenarios.

Why the Years Before Medicare Are Particularly Difficult

At age 65, most people become eligible for Medicare. People who leave work earlier must find coverage to bridge the gap. Options include:

• - Purchasing ACA marketplace policies

• - Continuing with COBRA payments after leaving employment

• - Using a spouse’s employer-sponsored plan

• - In rare cases, accessing a former employer’s retiree plan

For those who have spent years with Merck, cost becomes the main issue. Premiums tend to rise sharply in the late 50s and early 60s, with ACA rates often based on age. A couple in their early 60s might pay several thousand dollars per month, before deductibles or prescriptions. ²  Rising premiums can put real strain on those planning to retire before Medicare begins.

Important Factors Affecting the 2026 Increases

Several policy and systemic drivers are fueling the expected ~18% jump:

• Ending subsidies: After 2025, the enhanced ACA tax credits that cap premiums at 8.5% of income are due to expire. ²

• Medical inflation: The cost of hospital stays, outpatient care, and doctor visits continue rising faster than general inflation. ³

• Labor shortages: Health care providers are raising pay and benefits to retain staff, increasing the cost of care.

• Drug costs: High-demand prescription drugs increase insurer costs.

• Tariffs and supply costs: Anticipated import taxes on medical supplies may add pressure.

• Reduced risk pool: If subsidies end, healthier people may drop out of the market, leaving higher-cost individuals behind.

As Wolf remarks, “Healthier participants leave the system when subsidies disappear.” For Merck workers nearing retirement, this cycle may mean even steeper rates in the years before Medicare.

The Effect in the Real World

Premium hikes will affect families quickly. By 2026, some who stretched budgets for coverage in 2025 may find it unaffordable altogether. Others may need to draw more from retirement savings, weakening long-run sustainability.

“I’ve seen families who were comfortable in retirement suddenly needing to take on part-time work just to cover insurance,” Wolf explains. For Merck retirees, that reality could require adjusting their retirement lifestyle or rethinking sources of income.

Unexpected medical bills may also force individuals with fixed incomes to cut back on other retirement goals.

Practical Techniques to Control Rising Medical Expenses

While large market forces are beyond individual control, Merck employees approaching retirement can take steps to ease the burden:

• Review coverage annually: Subsidies and plan options change each year. Automatic renewals may lead to paying too much.

• Consider HDHPs: High-deductible health plans tend to have lower premiums and make participants eligible for health savings accounts (HSAs).

• Leverage HSAs: Contributions grow tax-free and can be used to pay medical costs later.

• Stay in-network: Using approved providers helps reduce out-of-pocket costs.

• Prioritize preventive care: Routine screenings and healthy habits may reduce the chance of large medical bills in future.

The Need to Plan in Advance

Health care costs must now be assumed higher than in many past retirement plans. With subsidies expiring and inflation pressure rising, Merck retirees should expect bigger expenses.

“My advice is to assume higher health care costs in every scenario,” suggests Wolf. If subsidies continue, that will help, but conservative planning can help avoid surprises.

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Health care planning has become a central pillar of retirement preparation. The 2026 premium jump highlights the importance of adaptability, careful cost estimation, and taking action early.

According to recent data, a record 24.2 million consumers selected or were auto-re-enrolled in ACA marketplace plans in 2025, ⁴  with fewer older registrants than in prior years. This shift means Merck employees who are not yet Medicare-eligible could grapple with harder budget choices as premiums climb.

In 2026, higher insurance costs will feel like unmarked tolls on the path to Medicare at 65. The road still exists, but detours—expiring subsidies, inflation, costly new drugs—may drain retirement funds faster than many expect. By using tools like health savings accounts and reviewing plan options each year, retirees can get a better handle on their medical expenses to avoid depleting their resources.

Sources:

1. KFF. “ How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2026 ,” by J. Ortaliza et al, 6 Aug. 2025 .

2. KFF. ' ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More Than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Explire ,' by Justin Lo et al, September 30, 2025. 

3. American Hospital Association, ' The Cost of Caring: Challenges Facing America’s Hospitals in 2025 ,' Apr. 2025.

4. CMS.gov, ' Over 24 Million Consumers Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace for 2025 ,' Jan. 17, 2025.