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

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

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Landstar System Landstar System, Inc. partners with various healthcare providers to offer health insurance benefits to its employees. While the specific healthcare provider can vary depending on the insurance plan chosen by employees, Landstar commonly collaborates with major national insurers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare to provide comprehensive health coverage. Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As employers brace for steep healthcare cost increases in 2026, the outlook looks particularly daunting due to multiple economic pressures. With projections of medical costs rising by 8.5% and insurers requesting average premium increases of over 20%, workers can expect to see their out-of-pocket expenses soar as enhanced federal premium subsidies expire. The confluence of increased treatment costs, an aging workforce, and overall inflation is exacerbating these challenges, leaving many employees concerned about their ability to afford necessary healthcare services. Without proactive measures, more individuals could find themselves priced out of adequate coverage, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic planning ahead of these changes. Click here to learn more

'Landstar System 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.

'Landstar System 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 Landstar System 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 Landstar System Professionals

For Landstar System 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:

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 Landstar System offer to its employees?

Landstar System offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

How can employees of Landstar System enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees of Landstar System can enroll in the 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s benefits portal.

Does Landstar System provide any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Landstar System offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees increase their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Landstar System 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Landstar System 401(k) plan is subject to IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Can employees of Landstar System choose between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions?

Yes, employees of Landstar System have the option to choose between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions based on their financial goals.

When can employees of Landstar System start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts?

Employees of Landstar System can start withdrawing from their 401(k) accounts at age 59½, subject to certain conditions.

Is there a loan option available for the Landstar System 401(k) plan?

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

How often can employees change their contribution amounts for the Landstar System 401(k) plan?

Employees of Landstar System can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's rules.

What investment options are available in the Landstar System 401(k) plan?

The Landstar System 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and other investment vehicles.

How does Landstar System communicate changes to the 401(k) plan?

Landstar System communicates changes to the 401(k) plan through official company emails, newsletters, and the employee benefits portal.

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

Landstar System offers a defined contribution retirement plan in the form of a 401(k) plan for its employees. The Landstar System, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan had assets of $159,548,262 at the end of 2022 and serves a substantial number of participants (Landstar System, Inc. - IR site). The company does not offer a traditional defined benefit pension plan; instead, the focus is on their 401(k) plan. In the Landstar System 401(k) Savings Plan, employees are automatically enrolled and can choose to invest in a variety of funds, including target-date retirement funds and other mutual funds. A notable feature of the plan is the default investment option, which automatically places participants' contributions into a predefined investment account if they do not actively select one. Landstar also provides matching contributions up to a certain percentage of an employee’s salary. Eligibility for the plan typically requires employees to complete a short service period (often one year) to receive matching contributions (Landstar System, Inc. - IR site). Participants in the Landstar System 401(k) plan are vested in company contributions after a specified period of continued employment. These contributions are designed to help employees save for retirement over the course of their career at Landstar (Landstar System, Inc. - IR site). The information was sourced from company financial reports and official retirement plan documents. Details regarding the vesting schedule and contribution limits can be found on pages 3-4 of the official Landstar System employee benefits handbook (Landstar System, Inc. - IR site).

Landstar System has not experienced major restructuring layoffs in 2023 or 2024. The company has maintained its asset-light business model, focusing on logistics and transportation services without reducing its workforce significantly (Landstar System, Inc. - IR site) (Landstar). Landstar has enhanced its benefits and 401(k) plan offerings, including improved health insurance options and better retirement matching contributions. These changes were part of their effort to remain competitive in retaining talent. It is important to address this news due to the ongoing economic uncertainties, which affect investment strategies, tax policies, and political decisions (Landstar System, Inc. - IR site) (Landstar).