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New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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Masco Retirees Face Rising Health Care Costs: What You Need to Know

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Masco: Masco Corporation, primarily recognized for its home improvement and building products, collaborates with major health insurance companies for employee health coverage. The specific providers may vary by plan and location, but typically involve larger insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), or Blue Cross Blue Shield. Anticipated Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, Masco employees may face substantial increases in healthcare costs, with some states projecting premium hikes exceeding 60% due to a confluence of factors. The potential expiration of enhanced subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) coupled with rising medical costs-such as higher hospital fees and increasing drug prices-may push out-of-pocket premium payments up by over 75% for the majority of policyholders. As insurers respond to these pressures with significant rate increases, it will be crucial for employees to strategically plan their healthcare expenses to mitigate financial burdens in the upcoming year. Click here to learn more

'With rising premiums, shifting federal programs, and mounting medical debt, Masco employees must take a more deliberate approach to budgeting for health care in retirement to help avoid financial pitfalls that could derail long-term plans.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'As health care policy continues to evolve, Masco employees should regularly revisit their retirement strategies to account for potential coverage gaps and unexpected medical expenses that could strain fixed budgets.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

  1. How rising health care premiums and shrinking federal support may affect pre-Medicare retirees.

  2. The impact of medical debt, weakened consumer protections, and changing credit rules on retirement outcomes.

  3. Adjustments to Medicaid and government health care programs that could disrupt early retirement plans.

Health Care Costs Continue to Climb for Retirees

The following article has been revised to reflect recent changes in health care policy and economics for individuals with longstanding corporate careers. Masco retirees and employees preparing for retirement are experiencing higher medical expenses, tighter household budgets, and new health care regulations—an especially relevant concern for those managing fixed incomes or long-term savings goals.

Premiums Rising, Coverage Shrinking

One key factor driving up costs is the anticipated end of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies. If these subsidies expire, annual out-of-pocket premiums could increase by an average of $1,247—a 75% jump. 1  This would affect Masco retirees relying on ACA plans prior to Medicare eligibility. Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in July 2025, calls for nearly $1 trillion in cuts to federal health care spending, with Medicaid bearing the brunt over the next ten years. 2

These reductions could result in up to 10.9 million Americans losing health care coverage by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). 3

Eroding Consumer Protections

Policy changes are also exposing Masco retirees to greater financial stress. A federal ruling overturned a consumer-friendly rule that prevented medical debts over $500 from appearing on credit reports. 4  As a result, credit scores for millions could be affected—an issue that carries implications for mortgages, employment applications, and other financial decisions during retirement transitions.

The Weight of Medical Debt

Across the country, medical debt remains a persistent challenge: 5

  • - 40% of adults report having dental or medical debt.

  • - 1 in 6 borrowed money or used credit cards to pay off medical bills.

  • - Over 20 million owe $250 or more; 14 million owe over $1,000; and 3 million owe more than $10,000.

  • - Adults aged 50–64 carry more debt than those 65–79 due to delayed Medicare access.

These statistics underscore the pressure on Masco employees who retire before reaching Medicare eligibility.

Health Decisions at Risk

According to Tyson Mavar, a financial advisor with Wealth Enhancement, 'Credit scores may not be affected for those who hold medical debt, potentially resulting in delayed treatment.' This concern is amplified for Masco retirees who may have limited health care coverage and rising expenses.

While some households cope with medical debt by cutting back on food and housing, depleting savings, or borrowing more, these approaches only serve to contribute to poorer health and higher stress.

Government Program Adjustments

Medicaid changes under OBBBA bring added burdens, particularly for early retirees in rural areas. Adjustments include stricter eligibility verification, new work requirements, and increased co-pays of up to $35 per visit for those near the poverty line. These revisions may impact millions of rural Americans and bring added stress to rural health care facilities that are already stretched thin.

A $50 billion Rural Hospital Transformation Fund was announced, but it is expected to address just 37% of anticipated losses and is set to expire by 2032. 6

Why It Matters for Masco Families

Recent health care changes are reshaping retirement planning. Even though Masco offers a range of employee benefits and retirement options, not all workers transition into Medicare or employer-based retiree coverage without gaps. According to Fidelity, a 65-year-old individual retiring in 2025 may need to spend $172,500 health care throughout retirement—not including long-term care. 7

Future policy shifts could add thousands more to that estimate. Keeping an eye on health care policy and evaluating benefit elections are now essential components of retirement planning.

The Bottom Line

Navigating today’s health care system is like taking a road trip with higher tolls, fewer exits, and less reliable maps. Masco employees near or in retirement are encountering a shifting landscape of costs, coverage, and legal rules. If these developments are overlooked, retirement plans may be exposed to financial disruptions that are difficult to recover from.

Being proactive with coverage reviews, medical budgeting, and credit management can help retirees steer clear of costly missteps and adapt to an increasingly complex health care environment.

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Sources:

1. Business Insider. “ Millions of Americans could pay up to $1,247 more for Affordable Care Act health insurance next year ,' by Juliana Kaplan, 23 July 2025.

2. The Guardian. “ Democrats Use New Tactic to Highlight Trump’s Gutting of Medicaid ,” by Stephanie Kirchgaessner, 27 July 2025.

3. USA Today. ' Neary 11 million Americians would lose insurance under Trump's tax bill, analysis says ,' by Ken Alltucker, 4 June 2025. 

4. Medicare Rights Center. ' Federal Court Reverses Federal Medical Debt Protections ,' by Julie Carter, 31 July 2025. 

5. Peterson-KFF, Health System Tracker. ' The burden of medical debt in the United States ,' by S. Rakshit, M. Rae, G. Claxton, K. Amin, and C. Cox, 12 Feb. 2024. 

6. KFF. ' A Closer Look at the $50 Billion Rural Health Fund in the New Reconciliation Law ,' by Zachary Levinson and Tricia Neuman, 4 Aug. 2025. 

7. Fidelity. ' How to plan for rising health care costs ,' Fidelity Viewpoints, 12 Aug. 2024. 

What is the purpose of Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan?

The purpose of Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan is to help employees save for retirement by providing a tax-advantaged way to invest their earnings.

How can Masco employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Masco employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and possibly catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan.

Does Masco offer a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Masco offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) Savings Plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for Masco's 401(k) company match?

The vesting schedule for Masco's 401(k) company match typically requires employees to work for a certain number of years before they fully own the matched contributions.

Can Masco employees take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Yes, Masco allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan?

Masco's 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and possibly company stock.

How often can Masco employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan?

Masco employees can typically change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) Savings Plan on a quarterly basis or as specified in the plan guidelines.

What resources does Masco provide to help employees understand their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Masco provides educational resources, such as seminars, online tools, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) Savings Plan.

When can Masco employees start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan?

Masco employees can generally start withdrawing from their 401(k) Savings Plan without penalties at age 59½, but specific rules may vary.

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