'Eversource Energy 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: Employees receive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, with HSA contributions for high-deductible plans. The Med-Vantage Plan offers post-employment HRA contributions, making ACA planning relevant for retirees Click here to learn more
'Eversource Energy 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:
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How the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies after 2025 could impact health care costs for retirees and early retirees.
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Real-life case studies illustrating how different individuals are adjusting to rising ACA premiums.
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Practical steps Eversource Energy 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 Eversource Energy Professionals
For Eversource Energy 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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Sources:
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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/ .
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2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. ' Understanding Special Enrollment Periods. ' June 2025.
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Other resources:
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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/ .
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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 .
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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 .
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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 Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, helping them build a financial foundation for retirement.
How can I enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees can enroll in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan through the company's benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What is the employer match for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Eversource Energy offers a competitive employer match to encourage employee participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan. Specific matching contributions can vary, so it's best to check the plan documentation for details.
Can I change my contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, employees can change their contribution rate to the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan at any time through the benefits portal or by contacting HR.
What investment options are available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
The Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to tailor their investment strategy.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan has a vesting schedule for employer contributions. Employees should refer to the plan documents for specific details on the vesting timeline.
What happens to my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan if I leave the company?
If you leave Eversource Energy, you have several options regarding your 401(k) Savings Plan, including rolling over your balance to another retirement account, cashing out, or leaving it in the plan if permitted.
Can I take a loan from my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Eversource Energy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) Savings Plan, subject to certain conditions and limits. Employees should review the plan's loan policy for more information.
Are there hardship withdrawals available in the Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan?
Yes, Eversource Energy permits hardship withdrawals from the 401(k) Savings Plan under specific circumstances. Employees must meet certain criteria to qualify for a hardship withdrawal.
How often can I review my Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements?
Employees can review their Eversource Energy 401(k) Savings Plan statements quarterly, and they can also access their account information online at any time.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Eversource Energy offers comprehensive employee pension and 401(k) plans for its employees, focusing on both financial security and long-term retirement benefits. Eversource Energy's pension plan is accessible through their PensionConnect platform. Employees participating in the Eversource Pension Plan can manage their accounts via the platform, which has been updated with enhanced security since January 2019 (EHR.com).
In addition to the pension plan, Eversource Energy offers a 401(k) plan, which includes a 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions. An additional employer contribution, known as KVantage, is based on both the employee's age and years of service, and ranges from 2.5% to 6.5%. For employees over the age of 40, the MedVantage program provides an annual $1,000 contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for post-employment medical expenses
Restructuring Layoffs: Eversource has not announced any significant layoffs in 2023-2024, but the company remains vigilant in its operational adjustments to align with market conditions. Given the ongoing economic uncertainties, it's important for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about potential restructuring efforts that could impact job security and overall company strategy.
Eversource Energy provides its employees with both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as part of their compensation packages. The specific stock options and RSUs available at Eversource Energy are designed to align employee interests with those of shareholders, incentivizing long-term company performance.
The stock options granted by Eversource Energy typically include the right to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, often based on the market value at the time of the grant. Employees generally must meet certain vesting conditions, such as continued employment over a specified period, to exercise these options. RSUs, on the other hand, are company shares granted to employees, which also vest over time. Once vested, the RSUs are converted into actual shares of Eversource Energy stock, which the employee can then hold or sell.
As of 2022, 2023, and 2024, these stock options and RSUs have been made available to a broad range of employees within the company, primarily focusing on executive-level staff and those in key positions critical to the company's success. The specific eligibility criteria, vesting schedules, and grant amounts vary based on the employee's role and performance.
Eversource Energy offers a comprehensive set of health benefits designed to support the well-being of its employees. The company's health benefits for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 include a variety of plans such as medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Employees have access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow them to manage healthcare expenses with tax advantages.
Eversource is also known for its wellness program, which incentivizes employees and their spouses to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The program includes access to wellness resources, often powered by platforms like Virgin Pulse, and offers rewards for participation in health-related activities.
Additionally, Eversource has specific provisions for employees facing serious health conditions. For instance, the company offers protections against service shut-offs for households with members facing life-threatening conditions or serious illnesses. These protections extend through specific periods and require certification from a medical professional.
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