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

Vistra Employees May Face Rising Health Care Premiums in 2026

Healthcare Provider Update: Offers medical, dental, vision, life, disability, telemedicine, and TRICARE supplement plans, plus HSAs and FSAs 8. With ACA subsidies expiring, Vistras benefitsincluding 100% employer-paid optionsoffer significant financial advantages over marketplace plans. Click here to learn more

'Rising health care premiums and the potential loss of ACA subsidies highlight the importance for Vistra employees to begin reviewing budgets and planning ahead for how these costs may affect both household expenses and long-term retirement goals.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'With ACA subsidies set to expire and premiums projected to climb, Vistra employees should proactively evaluate their health care costs so they can adapt their household budgets without compromising long-term retirement planning.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

Why health care premiums are expected to rise sharply in 2026.
How the expiration of ACA subsidies will affect families and employees.
Ways households can get ready for these cost changes.

By Wealth Enhancement's Michael Corgiat

In recent weeks, many Vistra employees have begun preparing for potential changes in 2026 health insurance premiums. The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) expanded subsidies have played a key role in helping households keep monthly costs manageable. These subsidies are set to lapse at the end of this year, creating the possibility of serious budget strains.

Currently, many families pay only a few hundred dollars a month for full coverage. Beginning January 1, those same households may see premiums jump to $1,800 or more per month. ¹ Premiums would rise even higher for families whose incomes exceed 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL). ¹ For Vistra households, this shift could bring new difficulties in balancing income, health coverage, and retirement contributions.

Why Premiums Are Increasing

The enhanced ACA subsidies were first introduced in 2021 through the American Rescue Plan, then extended by the Inflation Reduction Act through 2025. These provisions were aimed at middle-class families earning too much to qualify for traditional subsidies but still facing rising health care costs. Unless new law is passed, these benefits will end this year.

At the same time, insurers are preparing to raise their base rates for 2026. A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows the median proposed increase is 18% nationwide. ² For Vistra employees, losing subsidy support while also seeing higher base rates may impose extra strain in planning out their budgets.

Effect on Individuals

For households, the issue is deeply personal. One couple reported their premium will rise from under $300 to nearly $1,800 next year, ³ forcing hard decisions like cutting back on food, dental care, or other essentials. Vistra families may face comparable trade-offs as premiums climb.

Parents have voiced concern about their children’s coverage, especially as recent policy changes roll back Medicaid expansions. Choices made assuming children remain healthy would need to shift in the event of unexpected illness. This uncertainty makes it hard for families—including those in Vistra households—to plan for the future.

The Broader Picture

This issue is large in scale. In 2025, over 90% of ACA participants made use of enhanced subsidies, with more than 24 million Americans covered through the ACA marketplace. ⁴ Many in states with high enrollment depended heavily on the extra assistance.

Analysts estimate that if subsidies expire, about 4.8 million Americans could lose coverage in 2026. ¹ In some states, for Vistra employees earning around $113,000 per year, a plan that now costs about $112/month with subsidies could cost about $1,600/month without them—nearly $18,000/year. ⁵

Ways to Get Ready

While what happens in Washington is still uncertain, Vistra employees might consider taking steps now:

1. Consider High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs): Some of these have lower base premiums and, when paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA), provide tax benefits and a way to put aside funds for medical costs.
2. Revisit Emergency Funds: A robust cash reserve can help cover unexpected medical bills without derailing retirement saving.
3. Emphasize Preventive Care in 2025: Getting dental work, screenings, and exams done now while subsidies remain in force could reduce costs later.
4. Adjust Household Budgets: Rising premiums may mean reallocating expenses or finding ways to bring in more income.
5. Stay Alert When Enrollment Opens: Notices arrive in October, with open enrollment starting November 1. Careful comparison of health plan choices is very important for Vistra households.

Ripples in Other Areas

Higher premiums don’t just affect health coverage—they also ripple into retirement contributions, lifestyle decisions, and overall household resilience. For many Vistra families, higher health care costs may mean cutting back on retirement contributions, changing saving habits, or limiting discretionary spending.

The possible end of enhanced subsidies highlights how fragile the balance is between health care costs and longer-term plans. For many, this is not just about insurance but about preparing for a stable retirement.

Looking Ahead

There is still a chance Congress could extend subsidies and provide relief for millions. Until then, the best path is to plan for increased expenses. As one client said: “It feels like we’re going backward. The ACA made insurance affordable for years, but now we risk losing that progress.” Vistra employees, along with millions of others, are watching as decisions in Washington may heavily impact their household budgets.

Conclusion

The expected 18% increase in base premiums, combined with the end of ACA subsidies, underscores the strong link between health care costs and household budgeting. With over 24 million Americans enrolled in ACA coverage, many—including Vistra families—may face substantial pressure on their finances.

Taking action now through preventive care, comparing plan options, and adjusting budgets may soften the blow. Studies show that adults aged 50 to 64 will be among those hardest hit: close to 5 million people in that age group may see average annual health insurance cost increases of more than $4,000 if premium tax credits lapse. ⁶

The end of enhanced tax credits feels much like reaching the final stretch of a long journey just as gas prices double. The health plan is still the same vehicle, but every mile now costs more. Vistra households, like millions across the country, may need to rethink how they move forward under these new cost pressures.

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Sources:

1. Urban Institute. ' 4.8 Million People Will Lose Coverage in 2026 If Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ,' by Buettgens, Matthew, Michael Simpson, Jason Levitis, Fernando Hernandez-Lepe, and Jessica Banthin. September 17, 2025.

2. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). ' How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2026 ,' by Jared Ortaliza, Matt McGough, Kaitlyn Vu, Imani Telesford, Shameek Rakshit, Emma Wager, Lynne Cotter, and Cynthia Cox. 6 Aug. 2025.

3. KFF Health News. ' Considering a Life Change? Brace for Higher ACA Costs ,' by Julie Appleby. August 12, 2025.

4. KFF Quick Takes. ' More Than 3 in 4 Marketplace Enrollees Live in States Won by President Trump in 2024 ,' by Emma Wager. October 3, 2025.

5. NBC News. ' Families on Obamacare brace for higher health care premiums next year ,' by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.. September 13, 2025.

6. AARP. ' Enhanced Premium Tax Credit Expiration Threatens Affordable Health Coverage for Nearly 5 Million Midlife Adults Ages 50 to 64 ,' by Jane Sung and Ollivia Dean. April 2025.

How does the eligibility criteria for participation in the Vistra Operations Company pension plan differ for represented and non-represented employees? Specifically, what factors should an employee of Vistra Operations Company consider in understanding whether they qualify for the PRB Structure of the Plan based on their employment agreements and status?

Eligibility Criteria for Represented and Non-Represented Employees: The Vistra Operations Company pension plan has distinct eligibility criteria for represented and non-represented employees. Non-represented employees hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2019, are not eligible to participate in the plan, as their benefits were frozen effective December 31, 2018. Represented employees are subject to their collective bargaining agreements, and their participation may vary depending on the terms of those agreements(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

What steps should an employee at Vistra Operations Company take if they wish to contest a denial of benefits they believe they are entitled to under the plan? Please outline the procedures outlined in the document that the employees must follow to ensure their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act are upheld.

Contesting a Denial of Benefits: Employees must file a written claim for benefits if they believe they were denied benefits under the plan. The plan administrator reviews the claim, and if it is denied, the employee has the right to request a review of the denial within 60 days. Employees can provide additional documentation and will receive a final decision within 60 to 120 days depending on circumstances. If the claim is denied after review, the employee has the right to file a civil action under ERISA(Vistra_Operations_Compa…)(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

For employees of Vistra Operations Company who are nearing retirement age, what options do they have concerning their pension benefits, and how can they make the most informed decision regarding the form of payment they choose? What factors specific to their circumstances and relation to the plan should they consider, such as marital status or previous employment benefits?

Options for Employees Nearing Retirement: Employees nearing retirement have several options for receiving their pension benefits, including single life annuity or joint and survivor annuity payments. Factors such as marital status, existing benefits, and personal financial circumstances will affect their decision. For instance, married employees may elect a joint and survivor annuity, which provides reduced monthly payments during their lifetime and continues to pay a portion to their spouse after their death(Vistra_Operations_Compa…)(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

In what ways does the Vistra Operations Company pension plan accommodate employees transitioning from another employer's retirement plan, particularly with frozen benefits under an acquired plan? Employees should consider how these changes could impact their retirement outcomes and what steps are needed to integrate these benefits.

Transitioning from Another Employer’s Retirement Plan: Employees who transition from another employer’s retirement plan, especially those whose benefits have been frozen under an acquired plan, may still be eligible for interest credits on their account balances. The plan allows these employees to continue receiving interest credits while their account remains in the plan, preserving the value of their retirement savings(Vistra_Operations_Compa…)(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

How can employees of Vistra Operations Company name a beneficiary in relation to their retirement benefits, and what specific requirements must be met to ensure that the designation is legally valid? Discuss the implications for both the employees and their chosen beneficiaries, including any necessary consents or notarizations.

Naming a Beneficiary: Employees can designate a beneficiary for their pension benefits, and if they are married, their spouse must provide notarized consent if they choose someone else as their beneficiary. It is important to update this information following life changes, such as marriage or divorce, to ensure benefits are distributed according to their wishes(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

What provisions are in place within the Vistra Operations Company pension plan for employees who become disabled before reaching retirement age? Employees should understand how disability benefits interact with their retirement benefits and what criteria they must meet to access these provisions.

Provisions for Disabled Employees: Employees who become disabled before reaching retirement age may still be eligible for 100% vesting in their pension benefits. The plan recognizes disability as a qualifying event for full vesting if the employee receives Social Security disability benefits(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

How does the annual interest crediting rate for defined benefit plans apply to employees of Vistra Operations Company, and what recent adjustments have been implemented that might affect their retirement savings? Review the specifics in relation to current economic indicators affecting these plans.

Annual Interest Crediting Rate: For defined benefit plans, the interest crediting rate is based on the 30-year Treasury securities rate, which can affect employees’ retirement savings. Represented employees may be subject to minimum interest credit rates depending on their collective bargaining agreements, while non-represented employees' interest credits continue even after benefits were frozen(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

What are the implications of being classified as a non-represented employee under the Viesta Operations Company pension plan, especially considering the plan was frozen for them starting January 1, 2019? Employees should evaluate how this classification impacts their retirement planning and options moving forward.

Impact of Being a Non-Represented Employee: Non-represented employees had their benefits frozen as of December 31, 2018. This freeze means they no longer accrue new benefits, but they may still receive interest credits on their existing frozen benefit. Employees in this classification should evaluate alternative retirement savings options moving forward(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

Could you explain the importance of the â€œnormal retirement ageâ€ and how it affects the pension benefits for participants in the Vistra Operations Company pension plan? Illustrate how this age plays a significant role in defining eligibility and benefit calculations.

Importance of "Normal Retirement Age": The normal retirement age under the plan is 65. This age is critical because it affects when employees become eligible for their full pension benefits without reduction, which plays a significant role in the calculation and payment of benefits(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).

What are the best ways for employees of Vistra Operations Company to contact the Plan Administrator to obtain additional information about their pension benefits and claims? Provide details on the resources available and the recommended channels for reaching out effectively, particularly regarding any changes in address or personal details affecting their benefits. These questions are designed to guide employees through the retirement process and help them navigate the specifics of their pension plan under Vistra Operations Company.

Contacting the Plan Administrator: Employees can contact the Vistra Pension Center for information regarding their pension benefits. They can reach the center at 1-855-568-4146 or online at http://ypr.aon.com/Vistra for assistance with questions or changes to their personal details(Vistra_Operations_Compa…)(Vistra_Operations_Compa…).