/General/General%203.png?width=1280&height=853&name=General%203.png)
'Texas Instruments 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: Healthcare Provider for Texas Instruments Texas Instruments primarily provides health benefits to its employees through Aetna. Aetna offers a variety of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options, ensuring comprehensive coverage for employees and their families. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As Texas Instruments navigates the healthcare landscape, employees may face significant challenges due to anticipated healthcare cost increases in 2026. Industry reports project that health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans could rise substantially, with some states seeing increases exceeding 60%. Factors contributing to this surge include the potential expiration of enhanced federal subsidies and ongoing medical cost inflation, which is expected to continue impacting healthcare affordability. With more than 92% of marketplace enrollees potentially facing over a 75% increase in out-of-pocket premiums, proactive financial planning becomes crucial for both the company and its workforce. Click here to learn more
'Texas Instruments 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:
-
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 Texas Instruments 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 Texas Instruments Professionals
For Texas Instruments 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.
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
Loading...
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
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 Texas Instruments offer to its employees?
Texas Instruments offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
Is there a company match for contributions to the Texas Instruments 401(k) plan?
Yes, Texas Instruments provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.
At what age can employees of Texas Instruments start contributing to the 401(k) plan?
Employees of Texas Instruments can start contributing to the 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, typically upon hire or after a short waiting period.
How can Texas Instruments employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
Texas Instruments employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the company's online benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
What investment options are available in the Texas Instruments 401(k) plan?
The Texas Instruments 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
Does Texas Instruments allow employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts?
Yes, Texas Instruments allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts, subject to specific terms and conditions.
What is the vesting schedule for the company match in the Texas Instruments 401(k) plan?
The vesting schedule for the company match in the Texas Instruments 401(k) plan typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the match over a period of time.
Can Texas Instruments employees change their contribution percentage at any time?
Yes, Texas Instruments employees can change their contribution percentage at any time, usually through the online benefits portal.
What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Texas Instruments?
If an employee leaves Texas Instruments, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, leave it in the Texas Instruments plan (if eligible), or withdraw the funds, subject to taxes and penalties.
Are there any fees associated with the Texas Instruments 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be fees associated with the Texas Instruments 401(k) plan, which can include administrative fees and investment-related fees. Employees are encouraged to review the plan documents for details.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Texas Instruments offers both a traditional defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution 401(k) plan. The defined benefit plan includes a cash balance component, where benefits grow based on years of service and compensation, with interest credits added annually. The 401(k) plan features company matching contributions and various investment options, including target-date funds and mutual funds. Texas Instruments provides financial planning resources and tools to help employees manage their retirement savings.
Layoffs and Restructuring: Texas Instruments announced it will lay off 1,700 employees as part of a broader effort to shift focus from its mobile business to embedded markets. The job cuts represent about 5% of TI's staff and are aimed at cutting costs and increasing presence in the burgeoning embedded device market (Sources: Manufacturing.net, Hartford Business Journal). Operational Changes: The layoffs will begin in early November 2024 and be spaced out until the end of January 2025. Employees affected by these layoffs include technicians and engineers who couldn't find other positions within the company (Source: Manufacturing.net). Strategic Focus: TI's strategic shift involves concentrating on embedded connectivity in everyday items, including appliances, cars, and clothing, to align with industry trends and future growth opportunities (Source: Hartford Business Journal).
Texas Instruments provides both RSUs and stock options as part of its employee compensation. RSUs vest over time, converting into shares, while stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price.
Texas Instruments (TI) offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package aimed at supporting the diverse needs of its employees. For 2023, TI continued to provide 100% coverage for periodic preventive health office visits and screening tests, without any copay or deductibles. Additionally, the company offers a range of options including health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and various insurance plans like dental, vision, and life insurance. Mental health benefits and wellness programs are also integral parts of the healthcare offerings at TI. In 2024, Texas Instruments has further refined its benefits to include enhanced mental health resources and flexible work schedules. Employees can access job training, tuition reimbursement, and paid volunteer time, reflecting TI's commitment to overall well-being and professional growth. These benefits are particularly important in today's economic and political environment, where maintaining a healthy work-life balance and financial security is crucial. By continuously updating its healthcare benefits, Texas Instruments ensures that employees are well-supported in managing their health and career development.
-2.png?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(52)-2.png)
.webp?width=300&height=200&name=office-builing-main-lobby%20(27).webp)
-2.png)
.webp)