FIRE Community Faces Health Insurance Hikes

Health Insurance Concerns for Early Retirees: As ACA Subsidies Expire, Early Retirees Brace for Potential Premium HikesThe podcast episode delves into the growing concern among early retirees pursuing financial independence and early retirement (FIRE) about the expiration of enhanced pandemic-era subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. This could lead to a doubling of premiums for some early retirees in 2026, adding thousands of dollars to their annual expenses. The ACA plans are crucial for self-employed individuals, contractors, and those between jobs, and are popular among early retirees who no longer have employer-sponsored plans. The expiration of these subsidies, combined with a proposed 18% rate increase from insurers, could significantly impact early retirees financial plans. Some are considering shifting their income to stay below the subsidy cliff, while others may need to adjust their spending. The situation has left many feeling uncertain, with some exploring alternatives like health shares.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.