/General/General%208.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%208.png)
'Anywhere Real Estate employees planning their retirement should consider how income levels influence ACA subsidies, as even small adjustments in taxable withdrawals can affect future health care affordability.' – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
Healthcare Provider Update: Partners with Virta Health for diabetes care and offers medical, dental, vision, mental health, and preventive care at no cost 5. ACA planning is advised for retirees and dependents. Click here to learn more
'Anywhere Real Estate employees approaching retirement should recognize that proactive income and health care planning can make the difference between preserving subsidy eligibility and facing sharply higher ACA premiums.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
-
How the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies after 2025 could impact health care costs for retirees and early retirees.
-
Real-life case studies illustrating how different individuals are adjusting to rising ACA premiums.
-
Practical steps Anywhere Real Estate professionals can take before enrolling in 2026 Marketplace plans.
by Brent Wolf, CFP®, Wealth Enhancement
As open enrollment for 2026 Marketplace plans begins, many households are seeing dramatic shifts in their renewal letters. Rising base premiums and the possible end of enhanced subsidies after 2025 could mean significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for anyone purchasing coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange.
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) estimates that if Congress does not extend enhanced premium tax credits, average net premium payments could more than double in 2026. 1
“It feels like a second mortgage to pay this premium.”
Profile: A couple in their early 60s who retired a few years before becoming Medicare-eligible.
What changed: Their ACA premium had been manageable due to increased subsidies. Their renewal now indicates a rise of about $1,000 to $1,200 monthly if enhanced credits expire.
Decision pressure: They faced hard choices—drawing more taxable income from IRAs, going without coverage, or returning to the workforce for employer-based insurance.
Our response: We reworked their income plan to align with the ACA’s income-based subsidy structure. By controlling their Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) through smaller IRA withdrawals, use of cash reserves, and partial Roth conversions, we kept them eligible for key subsidies. Comparing a Bronze high-deductible plan with a health savings account (HSA) to a Silver plan revealed the Silver plan—thanks to cost-sharing reductions—was more economical given their expected medical treatments.
“I can’t risk losing coverage while battling an illness.”
Profile: A single client in her early 60s undergoing ongoing medical treatment.
What changed: Without enhanced subsidies, her premiums nearly tripled.
Decision pressure: Balancing affordability with the need to keep her care team and prescriptions consistent.
Our response: We prioritized staying with her provider network and controlling her out-of-pocket costs. A dedicated “medical reserve” fund—equal to one year’s maximum out-of-pocket limit—gave her a cushion without liquidating investments during market declines. We also worked with her physicians to identify lower-cost prescriptions through her plan’s formulary.
“The new premiums are hurting our business margins.”
Profile: A self-employed couple—one partner managing asthma and the other a cardiac rhythm condition.
What changed: Without subsidies, their net premiums are expected to rise sharply.
Decision pressure: Continue paying high premiums, choose a plan with a very high deductible, or seek W-2 employment for benefits.
Our response: We compared total annual costs for a Silver plan versus a Bronze option, factoring in frequent specialist visits and prescriptions. Once total medical costs were considered, the Silver plan proved more cost-effective. We also aligned their life and disability coverage and tailored their tax approach to reflect potential changes in premium tax credits.
“I’m young and healthy—do I even need full coverage?”
Profile: An independent contractor in their 20s with minimal expected medical use.
What changed: Premiums for mid- and high-tier plans nearly quadrupled.
Decision pressure: Choosing between a high-deductible Bronze HSA plan and catastrophic coverage.
Our response: We modeled three options—a Bronze HSA-eligible plan, a mid-tier plan, and catastrophic coverage. The Bronze HSA option offered the best mix of lower premiums and long-term tax benefits. Monthly automated HSA contributions build a future medical fund that can later be used for qualified health care expenses or Medicare premiums (excluding Medigap) after age 65.
Five Steps to Take Before You Enroll
1. Evaluate your total annual cost, not just the premium. Factor in deductibles, copays, and the possibility of reaching your out-of-pocket maximum.
2. Manage your MAGI carefully. ACA subsidies depend on income. Coordinate Roth conversions, capital gains, and IRA withdrawals strategically.
3. Verify your doctor and prescription coverage. Always confirm your plan’s provider network and formulary before enrolling.
4. Maintain a medical reserve fund. Hold six to 12 months of premiums plus a portion of your maximum out-of-pocket in cash or short-term Treasuries.
5. Finalize your plan by December 15. Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage ends on December 15, with plans effective January 1.
If Affordability Is a Concern
Choosing to go without insurance can expose you to serious financial strain in case of illness or accident. Consider the most affordable Bronze plan that still meets ACA minimum coverage requirements. If your income decreases during the year, you may become eligible for Medicaid or CHIP and qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. 2
How The Retirement Group Supports Anywhere Real Estate Professionals
For Anywhere Real Estate employees approaching or already in retirement, the intersection of rising health care costs and income planning can be complex. The Retirement Group focuses on helping clients navigate ACA subsidy rules, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, and health care cost planning during retirement transitions.
To speak with an advisor about aligning your retirement income and health care planning, call (800) 900-5867 today.
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
Loading...
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
Sources:
-
1. Cox, Cynthia, et al. “ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More Than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire.” Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) , 2025, pp. n.p., https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/aca-marketplace-premium-payments-would-more-than-double-on-average-next-year-if-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-expire/ .
-
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. ' Understanding Special Enrollment Periods. ' June 2025.
-
Other resources:
-
1. “When Can You Get Health Insurance? | Dates & Deadlines.” HealthCare.gov , U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d., https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/ .
-
2. Publication 969: Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favoured Health Plans. Internal Revenue Service, 2024, pp. 8–9, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf .
-
3. “Silver vs. Bronze Plan Selection: Cost-Comparison Scenarios.” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) , 23 Dec. 2024, pp. 1–3, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/silver-vs-bronze-cost-comparison-scenario-resource.pdf .
-
4. Murphy, Tom. “Expect Health Insurance Prices to Rise Next Year, Brokers Say.” AP News , Associated Press, 24 Aug. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/health-insurance-drug-costs-2026-rates-c4d865ec09c7088ecc6b55dc520f3566 .
What type of 401(k) plan does Anywhere Real Estate offer to its employees?
Anywhere Real Estate offers a traditional 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
Does Anywhere Real Estate provide a matching contribution for its 401(k) plan?
Yes, Anywhere Real Estate provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) accounts, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.
What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
Employees of Anywhere Real Estate become eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically within the first year of employment.
Can employees at Anywhere Real Estate choose how much to contribute to their 401(k) plan?
Yes, employees at Anywhere Real Estate can choose to contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401(k) plan, within IRS limits.
What investment options are available in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
The Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Anywhere Real Estate?
Yes, Anywhere Real Estate's 401(k) plan may have administrative fees and investment-related fees, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
Employees at Anywhere Real Estate can change their contribution amounts at designated times throughout the year, usually during open enrollment periods.
Does Anywhere Real Estate offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?
Yes, Anywhere Real Estate provides financial education resources and tools to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Anywhere Real Estate?
If an employee leaves Anywhere Real Estate, they can roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.
Is there a loan provision in the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan?
Yes, the Anywhere Real Estate 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their account balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Anywhere Real Estate offers employees a 401(k) plan called the "Anywhere Real Estate Group Employee Savings Plan." The plan encourages employees to save for retirement with tax-favored treatment and provides a wide range of investment options to suit different employee preferences. The plan includes automatic enrollment for eligible employees, typically after completing a minimum of one year of service, and allows for immediate vesting in the company match contributions after a certain period of time. The company has also implemented catch-up contributions for employees aged 50 and older, allowing them to contribute additional amounts each year
In January 2023, Anywhere Real Estate announced another round of layoffs following cuts made in mid-2022. The company revealed that it had reduced its workforce by 11% due to declining housing market trends. They are also winding down their RealSure program, a cash-offer service for home sellers. These cuts are part of broader cost-reduction efforts aimed at adapting to ongoing market downturns. The company has committed to focusing more on digital innovations, lead generation, and supporting franchisees
Anywhere Real Estate offers various stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to its employees, structured to enhance retention and reward performance. These RSUs are typically awarded to higher-level employees, including executives, as part of a long-term incentive plan. For example, in 2022 and 2023, RSUs were granted based on performance metrics such as the company's revenue and EBITDA targets (Anywhere Real Estate Inc.). The stock options provided to employees allow them to purchase shares of Anywhere Real Estate (NYSE: HOUS) at a set price, which is generally the market price at the time of the grant. These options typically vest over a three-year period
Coverage Extensions (2023-2024):
In 2024, Anywhere expanded its health benefits to address the needs of elder caregiving and menopause support. These additional benefits reflect the company’s focus on supporting employees through various life stages, aiming to cater to both mid-career professionals and retirees (Home Page).
Emphasis on Financial Planning Integration:
The company encourages employees to integrate healthcare planning with financial management, offering resources to help navigate Medicare Advantage and other insurance changes. These services are especially beneficial for those nearing retirement (Home Page).
Digital Healthcare and Accessibility:
Digital health services are a priority for Anywhere, as the company focuses on delivering healthcare resources through online platforms. This digital shift is part of their broader strategy to enhance consumer experiences, integrating healthcare seamlessly into employees' real estate and financial planning
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)