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

Domino's Pizza Retirees Face ACA Premium Shock—Here’s How Others Are Responding

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Domino's Pizza: Domino's Pizza primarily offers health insurance coverage to its employees through UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: In 2026, Domino's Pizza and its employees may face significant increases in healthcare costs, aligned with projected surges in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace premiums, which are expected to rise by an average of 18%, with some states seeing hikes over 60%. Factors contributing to these increases include the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies that currently assist many employees, thereby potentially raising out-of-pocket costs sharply-by over 75% for some individuals. As medical costs continue to climb, these challenges could place a financial strain on both the company and its workforce, possibly affecting employee retention and satisfaction. Click here to learn more

'Domino's Pizza 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.

'Domino's Pizza 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:

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 Domino's Pizza 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 Domino's Pizza Professionals

For Domino's Pizza 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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Articles you may find interesting:

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 401(k) plan offered by Domino's Pizza?

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

How can employees of Domino's Pizza enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Domino's Pizza match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Domino's Pizza offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan follows the IRS guidelines, which can change annually. Employees should check the current limits for the year.

Can employees of Domino's Pizza take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Domino's Pizza allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?

The Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees diversify their portfolios.

How often can employees change their contribution percentage in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution percentage to the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan at any time, typically through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Domino's Pizza?

If you leave Domino's Pizza, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Domino's Pizza plan if allowed.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan?

Yes, the employer match in the Domino's Pizza 401(k) plan may be subject to a vesting schedule, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

How can employees monitor their 401(k) accounts with Domino's Pizza?

Employees can monitor their 401(k) accounts through the online benefits portal provided by Domino's Pizza, where they can view balances, investment performance, and make changes.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Domino's Pizza offers a 401(k) savings plan for its employees, known as the Domino's Pizza 401(k) Savings Plan. This plan has been in place since 1984 and provides several benefits, including an employer match. In 2022, the employer match rate was approximately 57.53% of employee contributions, with a total allocation of $12,901,384 towards matching contributions. The plan's total assets by the end of 2022 were $353,603,679, with an average participant account value of $25,666. This 401(k) plan is the primary retirement savings vehicle for Domino's Pizza employees, allowing participants to defer a portion of their salary, with Domino's providing matching contributions to support employee retirement goals. The plan includes features like default investments for those who do not select their own options. As for the company's pension plans, specific details regarding eligibility, years of service, and age qualifications were not prominently featured in the sources. The primary focus appears to be on the 401(k) savings plan, which acts as the main retirement plan for employees.

News: In 2023-2024, Domino's Pizza faced several significant changes. The company experienced a decline in global revenue, with a reported 1% drop in the last quarter of 2023. This shortfall was attributed to staffing shortages, which led to reduced store hours and affected customer service. Additionally, the CEO, Ritch Allison, announced his retirement in early 2024, with Russell Weiner taking over as the new CEO. These changes were compounded by ongoing challenges such as higher costs and labor shortages, which have strained the company's operational efficiency. Importance: It is critical to address this news because the current economic environment is challenging for businesses, especially with rising operational costs and labor market volatility. Understanding these changes is vital for stakeholders, particularly in light of the ongoing shifts in consumer behavior, tax implications, and investment strategies as the company navigates these economic challenges.

For Domino's Pizza, stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) have been consistently offered to employees, particularly focusing on higher-level management. The stock options are typically tied to performance metrics and vest over a specific period, while RSUs are generally awarded based on continued employment. The latest information for 2022, 2023, and 2024 shows that both stock options and RSUs continue to be integral parts of Domino's compensation strategy, with eligibility primarily for executives and key personnel.

Domino's Pizza offers a range of health benefits to its employees, which have been tailored to meet the needs of different worker categories, including full-time and part-time team members. For the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, these benefits include standard healthcare offerings such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as more specialized options like health savings accounts (HSAs) and wellness programs aimed at promoting overall well-being. A key aspect of Domino's health benefits strategy is transparency in coverage, which is highlighted through their adherence to the Transparency in Coverage rules, allowing employees to access detailed information about their healthcare plans. This initiative is part of Domino's broader commitment to "putting people first," as outlined in their stewardship reports from 2022 and 2023. Domino's has also been proactive in addressing rising healthcare costs, a common concern across the industry. In 2023, the company faced higher insurance costs, which were one of the contributing factors to increased labor expenses. Despite these challenges, Domino's has worked to maintain a competitive benefits package to support its employees' health and well-being. Recent developments in employee healthcare include adjustments to insurance premiums and a focus on mental health resources, reflecting broader trends in the corporate benefits landscape. Additionally, Domino's has been updating its employee resources and communication channels to ensure that team members are fully informed about their health benefits and how to utilize them effectively.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Domino's Pizza at 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48106; or by calling them at (734) 930-3030.

https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/11710-18 https://pizzatoday.com/topics/industry-news/2024-pizza-industry-trends-report/ https://www.myplaniq.com/invest/planinfo/dominos-pizza-401k-savings-plan/ https://annualreport.stocklight.com/nyse/dpz/23655957.pdf https://ir.dominos.com/ https://www.thelayoff.com/t/1dLvHWkc https://www.cashbalancedesign.com/resources/contribution-limits/ https://www.theretirementgroup.com/featured-article/5448068/how-can-dominos-pizza-professionals-reduce-their-tax-burden https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1286681/000095017023003938/dpz-ex10_18.htm https://www.kiplinger.com/