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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Fortive Corporation partners with various healthcare providers through its Advanced Healthcare Solutions segment, focusing on delivering mission-critical technologies for medical instruments and healthcare facilities. As of 2025, Fortive is well-positioned to navigate the anticipated shifts in healthcare costs and innovations related to connected workflows. Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly, potentially impacting many American families. Record premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are projected, with some state premiums soaring by over 60%. This surge in costs is largely driven by higher medical expenses, the potential cessation of federal premium subsidies, and increased rates from major insurers. Without congressional action to extend these subsidies, many policyholders could see their premiums spike by up to 75%, highlighting the urgent need for consumers to prepare for these financial changes. Click here to learn more

'Fortive 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.

'Fortive 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 Fortive 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 Fortive Professionals

For Fortive 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 type of retirement plan does Fortive offer to its employees?

Fortive offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Fortive provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fortive provides a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, enhancing the overall savings potential.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in Fortive's 401(k) plan?

Employees are eligible to participate in Fortive's 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically 30 days.

Can employees at Fortive choose their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees at Fortive can choose their contribution percentage, allowing for flexibility in saving according to their financial goals.

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

Fortive's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to Fortive's 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their contribution amounts to Fortive's 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules and limits.

Does Fortive allow for loans against the 401(k) balance?

Yes, Fortive's 401(k) plan may allow employees to take loans against their balance, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) account if I leave Fortive?

If you leave Fortive, you can choose to leave your funds in the plan, roll them over to another qualified plan, or withdraw them, subject to tax implications.

Is there a vesting schedule for Fortive's company match in the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Fortive has a vesting schedule for the company match, meaning employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.

Can I access my Fortive 401(k) funds in case of financial hardship?

Yes, Fortive allows for hardship withdrawals under certain conditions, following IRS guidelines and plan rules.

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

Fortive offers a defined benefit pension plan, specifically a cash balance plan, which provides a guaranteed retirement benefit based on a formula that combines elements of both traditional defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. In a cash balance plan, Fortive credits a participant's account with a set percentage of their annual salary, plus interest, which grows over time. Eligibility typically includes full-time employees who meet certain service or age requirements, although specifics can vary based on employment status and tenure. In recent years, Fortive has adapted its cash balance plan to reflect changes in tax laws and interest rate strategies. For instance, in 2022, the company adjusted its plan interest crediting rates to align with prevailing market conditions and IRS regulations. By 2023 and 2024, Fortive continued to refine these rates to ensure compliance with updated tax laws and to optimize the financial performance of the plan.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2024, Fortive announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining its operations and reducing operational redundancies. This move resulted in layoffs affecting approximately 5% of its workforce across various divisions. The restructuring is part of Fortive's broader strategy to optimize its portfolio and focus on core growth areas. This is critical to follow given the ongoing economic volatility and investment uncertainties, which may impact both job security and company performance.

In 2022, Fortive granted stock options and RSUs to key employees and executives. Stock options were performance-based, and RSUs were part of long-term incentives. (Source: Fortive 2022 Annual Report, p. 49)

Health Insurance: Fortive offers a range of health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The company provides comprehensive coverage plans with options for employees to choose from based on their needs. Wellness Programs: Fortive emphasizes wellness through programs that may include health screenings, fitness reimbursements, and mental health resources. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Employees can use FSAs for eligible medical expenses. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Access to confidential counseling services for personal and work-related issues. Company Annual Reports or SEC Filings Benefit Details: Recent reports confirm that Fortive provides competitive health benefits in line with industry standards. They continue to offer robust health insurance packages and wellness programs to support employee well-being. Benefit Trends: There has been a focus on enhancing mental health resources and expanding access to telehealth services.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Fortive at , ; or by calling them at .

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