Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for ExxonMobil For the upcoming year, ExxonMobil's primary healthcare provider is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). Effective from January 1, 2025, employees and their families will access healthcare through BCBSTX, ensuring improved network access and support for managing healthcare costs. Prescription drug services will continue to be provided by Express Scripts. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 In 2026, ExxonMobil may experience significant healthcare cost increases, paralleling broader trends in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. With some states projecting premium hikes of over 60% and the potential loss of enhanced federal premium subsidies, many employees could see their out-of-pocket costs escalate dramatically. The Kaiser Family Foundation has highlighted that without congressional action, most marketplace enrollees might face increases exceeding 75%. These combined pressures will necessitate careful planning and strategic healthcare decisions from ExxonMobil employees going into 2026. Click here to learn more
“ExxonMobil employees facing rising health care costs can benefit from reviewing their broader income and coverage strategies early given that policy changes may create uncertainty.” – Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
“ExxonMobil employees navigating potential premium increases may find it helpful to reassess their long-term health care and budget plans early, as preparation can provide clearer direction during periods of policy uncertainty.” – Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
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How the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies may affect 2026 premiums.
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Why many households are delaying enrollment decisions.
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What retirees and pre-Medicare individuals should consider when reviewing coverage options.
Why Many Americans May Have Trouble Paying 2026 Premiums When Health Care Costs Increase
Households that rely on premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act are preparing for significant changes. Unless Congress acts, the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, extended under the Inflation Reduction Act and expanded by the American Rescue Plan, will expire after the 2025 plan year. If these subsidies lapse, estimates show average net premiums may increase by roughly 75–115% in 2026, 1 creating financial strain for millions of Americans.
“When a household sees its premium rise dramatically, families can be forced into difficult choices about how to allocate limited income,” explains Wesley Boudreaux, a financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement.
Consumer Uncertainty and Enrollment Pressures
Many ExxonMobil households are delaying their 2026 Marketplace enrollment decisions as they wait to see if Congress will renew the enhanced subsidies. Postponing enrollment increases the risk of missing deadlines and entering the new plan year without coverage.
Some states, such as Pennsylvania, estimate that if subsidies end in 2026, nearly one-third of current enrollees may drop coverage. 2 These estimates reflect affordability concerns, not confirmed enrollment data.
According to Wesley, households are navigating uncertainty rather than disengaging: “Families must make difficult decisions about their health coverage when premiums rise significantly.”
Less Expensive Options May Have Drawbacks
When premiums climb, some ExxonMobil employees may turn to lower-cost alternatives outside the ACA. However, short-term limited duration insurance and other non-ACA-compliant policies often exclude pre-existing conditions, impose annual or lifetime limits, and may not include guaranteed comprehensive benefits. These gaps may leave individuals exposed to significant medical bills during serious illness.
“Lower premiums only matter if the coverage is there when you need it,” Wesley emphasizes. Many non-ACA policies lack essential health benefits and pre-existing condition protections.
Challenging Decisions for Important Groups
If subsidies are not renewed, households may find themselves evaluating difficult choices:
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- Moving to ACA plans with higher deductibles
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- Paying substantially more in premiums
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- Dropping coverage entirely
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- Considering non-ACA options with limited protections
Middle-class families, self-employed individuals, and pre-Medicare retirees may feel the greatest financial pressure if enhanced subsidies disappear.
“Many responsible, hardworking families are severely strained by large premium increases,” observes Wesley.
The Function of Subsidies in a Changing Market
Many households currently benefit from subsidies that may reduce premiums by hundreds of dollars each month. If enhanced subsidies expire, out-of-pocket expenses could increase sharply. Insurers have already priced 2026 plans based on current law, contributing to the “sticker shock” consumers are experiencing, even if Congress ultimately restores subsidies.
In this unsettled environment, reviewing coverage options and planning ahead becomes even more important.
How The Retirement Group Can Assist
For individuals not yet eligible for Medicare—including those leaving the ExxonMobil workforce—health care costs remain a major part of retirement planning.
The Retirement Group can help you review your health insurance choices in the context of your broader retirement income strategy.
Call (800) 900-5867
to speak with someone about preparing for rising health care expenses.
Create a Plan Before Policies Change Again
Marketplace premiums for 2026 reflect a combination of insurer cost increases and legislative uncertainty, and future health care policies may continue evolving. Thoughtful preparation can help households reduce the likelihood of coverage gaps and build a clearer understanding of the alternatives available to them.
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Sources:
1. Peterson-KFF. ' How much and why ACA Marketplace premiums are going up in 2026 ,' by J. Ortaliza et al. Aug. 6, 2025.
2. The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. “5 Things to Know: Pennie Open Enrollment.” HAP Blog , 30 Oct. 2025, www.haponline.org/News/HAP-News-Articles/HAP-Blog/5-things-to-know-pennie-open-enrollment-1 .
Other Resources:
1. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Five Key Changes to ACA Marketplaces Amid Uncertainty over Premium Tax Credit Enhancements.” Written by Jennifer Sullivan and Nicole Rapfogel, 22 Sept. 2025, www.cbpp.org/research/health/five-key-changes-to-aca-marketplaces-amid-uncertainty-over-premium-tax-credit .
2. Evans, Michael. “2026 Health Insurance Hike Sparks Concern Among Early Retirees: ‘We Cannot Afford This.’” Investopedia , 12 Sept. 2025, www.investopedia.com/2026-health-insurance-hike-sparks-concern-among-early-retirees-we-cannot-afford-this-11808938 .
3. KFF. “Calculator: ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credit.” KFF, 29 Oct. 2025, www.kff.org/interactive/calculator-aca-enhanced-premium-tax-credit/ .
4. United States Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services. “Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance.” Federal Register , 21 Feb. 2018, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/02/21/2018-03208/short-term-limited-duration-insurance .
How does the ExxonMobil Savings Plan compare against typical retirement savings plans, and what unique features does it offer that can benefit employees approaching retirement? Additionally, can you elaborate on the necessary steps ExxonMobil employees should take within the savings plan to ensure maximum contributions and employer match during their service years?
ExxonMobil Savings Plan: ExxonMobil's Savings Plan offers flexibility with pre-tax, after-tax, and Roth contributions, and features a 7% company match for the first 6% of employee contributions, a unique benefit compared to typical plans. Employees should contribute the maximum percentage to receive the full match and regularly review their investment allocations through the Voya platform(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
What are the eligibility criteria for employees to participate in the ExxonMobil Pension Plan, and how is the retirement benefit calculated? As employees consider their long-term savings strategy, how does the option of a lump-sum distribution versus an annuity influence their financial planning at ExxonMobil?
ExxonMobil Pension Plan: Employees are automatically enrolled and eligible for benefits after five years of service, with full retirement benefits offered at 55 with 15 years of service. The pension is calculated based on 1.6% of final average pay multiplied by years of service, minus a social security offset. Lump-sum and annuity options affect long-term financial planning, with lump sums offering immediate flexibility while annuities provide a steady income(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
In what ways does the ExxonMobil Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support employees during personal or family crises, and what confidentiality measures are in place to protect their privacy? Additionally, how can ExxonMobil employees access these services, and what are the key resources available through this program?
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ExxonMobil's EAP provides confidential counseling services for personal and family issues like anxiety, addiction, and family conflict. Services are accessible by phone, video chat, or text, with privacy strictly protected. Employees can contact ComPsych for guidance and support through the GuidanceNow app or website(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
With the introduction of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) at ExxonMobil, how do these accounts help employees manage their health care and dependent care expenses more effectively? What guidelines should employees follow to ensure they maximize their tax advantages while complying with IRS regulations during the enrollment process?
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs at ExxonMobil allow employees to reduce taxable income by contributing pre-tax dollars to healthcare or dependent care expenses. Employees should estimate their expenses carefully during the enrollment period and comply with IRS rules, ensuring they submit claims by April 15th of the following year(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
How does ExxonMobil define "work-life balance," and what specific benefits and programs are in place to support this philosophy for employees? Can you discuss how employees can utilize these options, such as flexible schedules and leave of absence policies, without negatively impacting their career progression within the company?
Work-Life Balance: ExxonMobil promotes work-life balance with programs like “Flex Your Day,” allowing flexibility in work hours, and up to 20 days of back-up dependent care. Employees are encouraged to use these options strategically to maintain career progression while balancing personal obligations(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
In light of the various medical plan options offered at ExxonMobil, how should employees approach selecting the right plan to best meet their healthcare needs? What factors should they consider, including family health history and financial implications, when making their decisions?
Medical Plan Selection: ExxonMobil offers Aetna POS II and network-only options, allowing employees to choose between plans based on cost, coverage, and provider access. Employees should assess their family's healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred providers when selecting the most appropriate plan(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
For ExxonMobil employees nearing retirement, what resources are available to help them understand the nuances of health benefits coordination through Medicare and their ExxonMobil coverage? How can they best navigate this transition, and what checkpoints should they be aware of to ensure they remain compliant with company policies during retirement?
Retirement Health Benefits and Medicare: ExxonMobil offers resources to help employees coordinate health benefits with Medicare upon retirement. Employees nearing retirement should explore their options through the Your Total Rewards portal and ensure compliance with company policies during the transition(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
What financial education resources does ExxonMobil provide to employees to promote informed decision-making about their retirement savings and benefits? Can you detail how programs like the Financial Fitness Program enable employees to strategically manage their finances and plan for retirement?
Financial Education Resources: ExxonMobil's Financial Fitness Program, provided in collaboration with Ernst & Young, helps employees manage their finances with resources such as EY Navigate and personalized financial planning. This program supports informed decision-making about retirement and savings strategies(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
As part of the benefits provided by ExxonMobil, how does the company facilitate employee participation in volunteer programs and charitable activities through the ExxonMobil Foundation? How can employees engage with these initiatives while also balancing their work commitments?
Volunteer Programs: Through the ExxonMobil Foundation, employees can engage in charitable activities via the Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP), which offers grants to nonprofits based on time spent volunteering. Participation in these programs is flexible, enabling employees to balance work commitments with volunteer efforts(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
How can ExxonMobil employees get in touch with benefits representatives to address specific questions about their retirement and savings plans? What are the recommended channels and best times to reach out for assistance to ensure they receive timely and relevant information about their options?
Contacting Benefits Representatives: Employees can reach out to the ExxonMobil Benefits Service Center at 833-776-9966 during business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST) for assistance with retirement and savings plan questions. The Your Total Rewards portal also offers 24/7 access for reviewing and managing benefits(ExxonMobil_2024_ExxonMo…).
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