/General/General%203.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%203.png)
'Carlisle 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: Healthcare Provider for Carlisle: Aetna Carlisle's medical plans are administered by Aetna, offering a variety of coverage options to suit the needs of employees and their families. These plans provide comprehensive benefits, including preventive care and prescription drug coverage, with options such as high-deductible plans paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help manage costs effectively. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, healthcare costs are expected to surge significantly due to a combination of factors, including the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing inflation in medical expenses. Many states face premium hikes soaring upwards of 60%, pushing average out-of-pocket costs for consumers potentially over 75%. With insurers forecasting a medical trend increase of around 7-10%, and the top insurers posting substantial profits, consumers could be left grappling with higher premiums and reduced access to affordable healthcare options. Consequently, strategic planning for medical expenses has never been more critical for individuals and families navigating this challenging landscape. Click here to learn more
'Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle Professionals
For Carlisle 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 is the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis.
How does Carlisle match contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Carlisle offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which typically matches a percentage of the employee's contributions, up to a certain limit.
When can I enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
To be eligible for the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan, employees must meet certain criteria, including age and length of service, as specified in the plan documents.
Can I take a loan from my Carlisle 401(k) account?
Yes, Carlisle allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan's loan policy.
What investment options are available in the Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Carlisle 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.
How can I change my contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution percentage to the Carlisle 401(k) plan by accessing the plan's online portal or contacting the HR department.
What happens to my Carlisle 401(k) account if I leave the company?
If you leave Carlisle, you have several options for your 401(k) account, including rolling it over to an IRA, transferring it to a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.
Does Carlisle offer any educational resources for 401(k) participants?
Yes, Carlisle provides educational resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.
How often can I change my investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their investment allocations in the Carlisle 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's trading policies.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Carlisle Companies offers its employees the Carlisle, LLC Employee Incentive Savings Plan (CEISP), a comprehensive retirement savings plan. The CEISP allows employees to contribute between 1% and 50% of their eligible pay on a pretax, Roth, or after-tax basis, with annual contribution limits of $23,000 for those under 50 and $30,000 for those 50 and older in 2024. Employees are automatically enrolled at a 3% deferral election if they don't opt out.
The plan offers immediate 100% vesting on both employee and employer contributions, making all funds fully owned by the participant from the start. Carlisle’s 401(k) plan includes a company match of 100% on the first 3% contributed and 50% on the next 2%, making it a beneficial program for long-term financial planning.
Restructuring Layoffs: Carlisle Companies have been navigating various financial adjustments and structural changes in 2023 and 2024. They have announced strategic acquisitions and share repurchases, alongside continuous dividend increases to stabilize their financial standing and enhance shareholder value.
Carlisle Companies' Stock Options and RSUs
2022
In 2022, Carlisle Companies (NYSE: CSL) issued a broad-based stock option grant to employees, which marked the third such grant in the last 12 years. The goal of these grants was to provide significant incentives for employees to achieve long-term company objectives. The stock options are available to a wide range of employees, promoting a sense of ownership and alignment with the company’s success (source: Carlisle Companies’ 2022 Employee Stock Option Grant Announcement, page 1).
2023
In 2023, Carlisle continued its practice of offering stock options and RSUs to its employees. The RSUs are part of the company’s long-term incentive plan, designed to retain key employees and align their interests with shareholders. RSUs vest over a specified period, typically requiring continued employment with the company (source: Carlisle Companies’ Third Quarter Results Report, page 3).
2024
For 2024, Carlisle has maintained its commitment to employee equity compensation by offering both stock options and RSUs. The latest offerings include performance-based RSUs that vest based on the company achieving specific financial targets. These are available to managerial and executive-level employees, ensuring that key decision-makers have a vested interest in the company’s long-term performance (source: Carlisle Companies’ Fourth Quarter Results Report, page 4).
Carlisle Companies provides a comprehensive and industry-leading health benefits package to its employees, focusing on holistic wellness and financial security. The benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to help manage healthcare costs. Additionally, Carlisle offers wellness programs that promote physical and mental health, including fitness incentives, stress management resources, and preventive care initiatives (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
In 2023, Carlisle emphasized sustainability in its operations, which includes the health and safety of its employees. The company's initiatives are detailed in their Corporate Sustainability Report, highlighting their commitment to reducing emissions and waste, and improving energy efficiency, which indirectly supports a healthier work environment (Carlisle).
Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by Carlisle include:
HSA (Health Savings Account): A tax-advantaged account used to pay for eligible medical expenses.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A certification for environmentally friendly buildings, which aligns with Carlisle's focus on creating healthier workspaces (Carlisle ESG Data Center) (Carlisle).
Recent news affecting Carlisle includes their progress towards sustainability goals, such as reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions by over 21% and Scope 3 emissions by over 12% from their 2021 base year. These efforts reflect Carlisle's broader commitment to employee well-being through a healthier and more sustainable work environment
-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)