October 27, 2025

🚨No Subsidies in 2026? Plan A vs Plan B (DO THIS)

9 minutes

2026 health insurance: If Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies end, Plan A vs Plan B. Open Enrollment Nov 1; enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1. MAGI targets, 400% FPL, on-exchange vs off-exchange.

In this video,“No Subsidies in 2026? Plan A vs Plan B (Do This)”— I provide two pathways so you’re ready to enroll by Dec 15 for a Jan 1 health insurance start, and why I’m building both plans now given the uncertainty around enhanced ACA subsidies.

Plan A (assume no enhanced subsidies):

A1: On-exchange, ACA-compliant coverage even without credits (keeps ACA protections).

A2: Off-exchange, ACA-compliant quotes (compare carefully; note that off-exchange doesn’t receive credits if they return mid-year).

A3: “Alternatives” with caution (e.g., short-term, cost-sharing, memberships/DPC): understand pre-existing condition limits, exclusions, and red flags. Only as a time-boxed fallback.

Plan B (if enhanced subsidies continue):

Manage MAGI like a pro: right-size year-end Roth conversions, time capital gains, and use taxable brokerage for spending to avoid accidental income spikes.

If working: lean on pre-tax payroll options and an HSA (with an eligible HDHP) to help control MAGI.

If retired: be deliberate with pre-tax withdrawals—they raise MAGI and can shrink credits, also contribute to an HSA.

📊Free resources mentioned in this episode:

🔗 Click here for the free MAGI Calculator Template (Microsoft Excel download). Use it to estimate your MAGI for ACA plans.

🔗ACA Cost Estimator

🔗2025 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

🔗Goto healthcare.gov or your state exchange to enroll in a 2026 ACA plan - open enrollment begins Nov 1.

🎧Listen to these podcasts of mine next for more info on the topics covered in this episode:

ACA MAGI: How to Calculate & Manage It for Big Savings!

Will ACA Subsidies Disappear After 2025? What You NEED to Know!

The $12,900 Health Insurance Loophole for Early Retirees!

Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement: What You NEED to Know

How a Mutual Index Fund Cost Me $17K in Taxes (And How to Avoid This Mistake)

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By Mike Upland

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