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Some retired Olathe city employees say the city's health insurance premium increases could raise their health care costs by 500% to 900% in 2026, depending on their plan and coverage level.

A retired city employee reached out to KSHB 41, citing the most recent Olathe City Council meeting, where several city employees and retirees discussed the increased premiums.

Recent data from KFF shows insurers offering Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans could increase premiums by around 18% for 2026. The price consumers pay could jump by 75% if subsidies for the program expire at the end of December.

KFF data also shows premiums already went up 7% in 2025.

Gary Nickerson, who served the Olathe community for decades as a firefighter and retired as a senior captain at

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