⚠️ Are ACA subsidies really going away after 2025? If you're planning to retire early or already living off your investments, this could impact your healthcare costs in a big way. In this episode, I explain exactly what's happening with ACA subsidies in 2026—what's expiring, what's staying, and how you can still qualify for financial help through smart retirement planning and income strategies.
You’ll learn:
✅ What the “subsidy cliff” is and how to avoid it
✅ How to use MAGI planning to stay eligible for ACA tax credits
✅ What changes after the Inflation Reduction Act ends
✅ Why taxable brokerage accounts and Roth strategies are your secret weapons.
Even if the enhanced subsidies go away, you can still protect your early retirement plan—if you know how to plan ahead. 📉 Don’t get surprised by skyrocketing ACA healthcare premiums in 2026. This episode breaks it all down.
🎯 If you’re aiming to retire before Medicare kicks in, this is a must-watch.
Episodes to listen to next:
🎧 This episode about health insurance options for early retirement, title of: Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement: What You NEED to Know -- Click here to listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3lxFC-ob2E4
🎧 This episode about slashing ACA premiums by strategically funding your retirement income to reduce MAGI, where a taxable brokerage account in particular is the big hero, title of: The $12,900 Health Insurance Loophole for Early Retirees! Click here to listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rvbxNVaW3iM
🎧This episode where I talk thru the results I achieved on the actual ACA Estimator Tool on heatlhcare.gov, using the strategy, with 3 case scenarios, from the episode directly above!, title of: How Early Retirees Can Pay WAY Less for Health Insurance! Click here to listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2QqresmHRCg
Resources Mentioned/Further Reading:
📊 Commonwealth Fund Article: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/explainer/2025/feb/enhanced-premium-tax-credits-aca-health-plans
📊 Kaiser Family Foundation Articles - lots of current articles/happenings pertaining to the ACA: https://www.kff.org/tag/marketplaces/
📊Medicare Rights Center Article: https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/04/17/congress-must-act-to-continue-affordable-care-acts-enhanced-premium-tax-credits
❤️ Like, Follow, Comment, Subscribe, and Share if this episode helped you!
💼My Favorite Retirement Planning Tool. If you're serious about planning for early retirement, you've got to check out Boldin. It's a powerful tool that helps you map out your financial future -- whether you're a DIY planner or just want to stress-test your retirement strategy. I personally use it and highly recommend! Try Boldin here: https://go.boldin.com/earlyretirementroadmap
Disclosure: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's a simple way to support this podcast and the content I create. Thank you!
✅ FREE Early Retirement Planning Checklist Whether you're just getting started or refining your plan, this free guide will help you take the next step! Download my free 12-step early retirement planning checklist—a practical, easy-to-follow guide that walks you through everything from calculating your FIRE number to building a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy. 👉 Get your free checklist here: https://payhip.com/b/IBj3q I created this to help others like you pursue financial independence and retire on your own terms and as a thank you to my viewers. Whether you are years away or almost ready, this checklist will help you retire smarter and sooner and is the perfect companion to everything I share on this podcast.
📺 When you're not on the go, watch the Early Retirement Roadmap Channel on YouTube and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@EarlyRetirementRoadmap?sub_confirmation=1
🌐 Visit my website for all my media, including my blog or to contact me about sponsorship or other business opportunities: https://mikeupland.com/
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DISCLAIMER:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and reflects my personal experience and research. It is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making major ret
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