Building a 2026 Projection Model

You can now support the renewal conversation by adding in a projection of renewal premiums

Using the projection model can support the conversation with your employer groups to help represent the employer max budget and employee outcomes when entering a presumed carrier premium increase.  This allows you to start the conversations early on budget and support employers as they are focused on preparing for open enrollment 2026.

 

You start by using the Copy Model option

Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 11.00.14 AM

Select the current locked model to get a copy of the classing and contributions to start your 2026 projections.

You will see a new option to create a projection model.

Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 11.03.46 AM

Once the model has been copied you will use Update benchmark plans.  This will quote the entire census for 12/31/2025 to get the most accurate rates to build your projections on.

Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 11.07.13 AM

Once the plans have updated you are ready to set your projected premium increase.  This will apply to all plans both LSP as well as all plans on FULCRUM.   

Enter the premium increase and select Update Model

Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 11.09.37 AM

The projection model will also use the new 2026 affordability calculations of 9.96%

 

Once your model is complete you'll be able to see the employer contributions based on the new projected premium increase. You can use the contribution classing and FULCRUM to view the employer and employee outcomes based on the renewal premiums.