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

Maxim Integrated Products Retirees Face ACA Premium Shock—Here’s How Others Are Responding

Healthcare Provider Update: Maxim Integrated offers employees a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and education assistance. Employees also benefit from wellness programs, disability coverage, and life insurance. The company supports career development through tuition reimbursement and professional training opportunities2. Maxim Integrated Products As ACA premiums rise, Maxims employer-sponsored health plans and retirement benefits provide a stable alternative to marketplace coverage. With insurers requesting double-digit increases and federal subsidies potentially expiring, employer-backed plans like Maxims help shield employees from steep out-of-pocket costs. Click here to learn more

'Maxim Integrated Products 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.

'Maxim Integrated Products 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 Maxim Integrated Products 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 Maxim Integrated Products Professionals

For Maxim Integrated Products 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 savings plan does Maxim Integrated Products offer?

Maxim Integrated Products offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan for its employees.

Does Maxim Integrated Products provide a company match for contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Maxim Integrated Products provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

What is the eligibility requirement for employees to participate in the 401(k) plan at Maxim Integrated Products?

Employees of Maxim Integrated Products are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of employment, typically 30 days.

Can employees at Maxim Integrated Products choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Maxim Integrated Products can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan at Maxim Integrated Products?

Yes, Maxim Integrated Products has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched funds.

What is the maximum contribution limit for employees to the 401(k) plan at Maxim Integrated Products?

The maximum contribution limit for employees to the 401(k) plan at Maxim Integrated Products is in line with IRS guidelines, which can change annually.

Does Maxim Integrated Products offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Maxim Integrated Products offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions.

How often can employees at Maxim Integrated Products change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Maxim Integrated Products can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at specified times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment periods.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Maxim Integrated Products?

Yes, Maxim Integrated Products allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) balance under certain conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) if I leave Maxim Integrated Products?

If you leave Maxim Integrated Products, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account or leaving it in the plan if allowed.

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

Look for the annual reports, 10-K filings, or pension plan documents on the SEC EDGAR database. Check the company's official website under Investor Relations or Employee Benefits sections. Review industry-specific publications or financial news sites. Consult documents from financial advisory firms or pension plan managers. Refer to the 401(k) plan summary plan description (SPD) or the company's 401(k) plan documents. Review the company's website or annual reports for plan details. Check for updates or changes in 401(k) plan information in financial filings. Consult resources from retirement plan administrators or financial advisors.

Restructuring and Layoffs: In early 2023, Maxim Integrated Products, now part of Analog Devices, announced a strategic realignment as part of its integration process. This included some restructuring and workforce adjustments to streamline operations and align with new business objectives. The integration process has led to a re-evaluation of roles, with some positions being eliminated to create a more efficient structure. It is important to address this news because the current economic climate demands careful navigation of workforce changes, considering the impacts on employment stability and organizational efficiency.

Maxim Integrated Products offered employees stock options and RSUs as part of their compensation package. Maxim Integrated Products used acronyms like SOP (Stock Option Plan) and RSU (Restricted Stock Unit) for these benefits. Employees who are part of the executive team and key contributors are eligible for these benefits.

Medical Plans: Offered a variety of plans including PPO and HMO options. Dental and Vision: Provided coverage for dental and vision care. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Available for employees to save pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. Wellness Programs: Emphasized wellness programs, including mental health resources and fitness incentives.