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

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Dana Retirees Face ACA Premium Shock—Here’s How Others Are Responding

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Healthcare Provider Update: For the company Dana, the healthcare provider is likely UnitedHealthcare. This insurer is known for offering a range of health coverage options, including plans in several ACA marketplaces. Looking ahead to 2026, significant increases in healthcare costs are anticipated. Rising medical expenses, combined with the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, could lead to steep premium hikes for ACA marketplace enrollees. Reports suggest that some states may experience increases exceeding 60%, resulting in many individuals facing more than 75% higher out-of-pocket costs. Such drastic changes could create considerable financial strain for millions, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare planning in 2025. Click here to learn more

'Dana 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.

'Dana 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.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. How the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies after 2025 could impact health care costs for retirees and early retirees.

  2. Real-life case studies illustrating how different individuals are adjusting to rising ACA premiums.

  3. Practical steps Dana 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 Dana Professionals

For Dana 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.

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What is the 401(k) plan offered by Dana?

The 401(k) plan at Dana is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How does Dana match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Dana offers a matching contribution up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary, which helps to enhance the retirement savings.

When can employees at Dana enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Dana can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their initial onboarding period or during the annual open enrollment period.

What are the eligibility requirements for Dana's 401(k) plan?

To be eligible for Dana's 401(k) plan, employees must be at least 21 years old and have completed a minimum period of service with the company.

Can employees at Dana take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Dana allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in Dana's 401(k) plan?

Dana's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

How can employees at Dana access their 401(k) account information?

Employees can access their 401(k) account information through Dana's online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.

What is the vesting schedule for Dana's 401(k) matching contributions?

Dana has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, meaning employees earn ownership of the matched funds over a specified period of service.

Can employees at Dana change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Dana can change their contribution percentage at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

What happens to the 401(k) savings if an employee leaves Dana?

If an employee leaves Dana, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) savings to another retirement account or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
For Dana Inc., the primary pension plan was the "Dana Retirement Plan," which underwent significant changes in 2019 when Dana transferred its pension liabilities to insurance companies through annuity purchase agreements. This action involved securing pension obligations for plan participants without altering their benefits. The company has not made significant updates to its pension plan offerings since this transfer, focusing instead on fully funding existing obligations. Regarding the 401(k) plan, Dana offers a competitive 401(k) with matching contributions. Employees can contribute up to 8% of their salary, with Dana providing a 4.5% match. This plan is available to all full-time employees. Dana emphasizes the stability and security of its retirement offerings, aligning with the company’s broader strategy to maintain financial health and meet its obligations.
Restructuring Layoffs: Dana Incorporated has been undergoing restructuring efforts in 2023 and 2024, which included several layoffs across different divisions to streamline operations and reduce costs. These layoffs are part of the company's strategy to remain competitive amid economic uncertainties and evolving market conditions. It's important to address this news because the current economic environment, characterized by high inflation and geopolitical tensions, requires companies to adjust their workforce to maintain financial stability. Benefit and Pension Changes: Dana has also made significant changes to its employee benefits and pension plans. In 2023, the company revised its pension formula and adjusted the contribution limits for 401(k) plans in response to the SECURE Act 2.0. The changes were made to align with new federal regulations and to provide more robust retirement options for employees. This news is crucial as the investment climate and tax regulations are evolving, and such changes directly impact employees' retirement planning. Employees should be aware of how these changes affect their future financial security and retirement readiness.
Dana Incorporated offers a variety of stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of its compensation package to eligible employees. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Dana continued to use stock options and RSUs to incentivize and retain key talent within the company. The specific stock options at Dana Incorporated are designed to allow employees to purchase shares at a predetermined price, often reflecting the stock price at the time of the grant. These options typically vest over a set period, ensuring that employees remain with the company to gain the full benefit. RSUs at Dana Incorporated are another critical part of the company's equity compensation. RSUs are granted with a vesting schedule, where the employee receives shares after meeting specific service conditions, usually tied to the employee’s tenure or company performance. The company's RSUs do not require employees to pay an exercise price, unlike stock options, which is advantageous for employees as they are guaranteed the value of the shares upon vesting. Eligibility for stock options and RSUs at Dana Incorporated is typically extended to employees who are in managerial or higher-level positions, though the exact criteria may vary by year and specific company needs. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Dana continued to refine these programs to align employee incentives with company performance, which was evident in their continued financial growth and strategic achievements during these years. The detailed information on these stock options and RSUs, along with the company's ongoing updates, can be found in Dana's annual reports and investor communications, specifically in documents like the 10-K filings. These reports typically outline the terms, eligibility criteria, and the vesting schedules for these equity-based compensation plans. For further details, reviewing the annual reports and quarterly earnings releases on Dana's official website is recommended.
In 2022, Dana, like many companies, faced increasing healthcare costs due to various factors, including inflation and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges led to an emphasis on high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), which remained popular among employees, with a notable increase in the median in-network deductible for these plans. Dana also focused on behavioral health benefits, recognizing the importance of supporting employees' mental health in the post-pandemic era. By 2023 and 2024, Dana continued to adapt its health benefits strategy by exploring self-insured health plans, a move aimed at giving the company more control over healthcare costs and the flexibility to tailor benefits to employees' needs. The company also highlighted the importance of accountable care organizations (ACOs) and personalized healthcare services, aiming to improve the quality of care while managing costs.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dana at 3939 Technology Dr Maumee, OH 43537; or by calling them at (419) 887-3000.

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