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If you’re about to retire (or already retired) and relying on the Affordable Care Act for health insurance, you’ve probably seen the headlines: “The ACA subsidy is going away.” In this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan?, Phillip Smith cuts through the noise and explains what is actually changing in 2026, what is not changing, and why this matters so much for retirement planning between ages 62 and 65.

You’ll learn the difference between the original ACA premium tax credit and the temporary enhanced subsidy created during the pandemic. We break down how the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act expanded subsidies through 2025, what happens with those enhancements now expired as of December 31, 2025, and how income planning affects ACA premiums. This episode is especially relevant if you are planning to retire before Medicare, considering Roth conversions, selling a business, or starting Social Security during the pre-65 years.

If you have searched “is the ACA subsidy going away in 2026,” “ACA subsidies and early retirement,” or “how to plan income before Medicare,” this episode gives you clarity without politics or panic.

What you’ll learn
• What the ACA premium tax credit really is
• What changes in 2026 if the enhanced subsidy expires
• How income affects ACA premiums for retirees ages 55 to 64
• Why Roth conversions and capital gains matter more than ever
• How to plan retirement income without relying on headlines

More resources at TidepoolWealth.com and on our YouTube channel @TidepoolWealth.

Thanks for tuning in to The Perfect Retirement Plan?, brought to you by Tidepool Wealth Strategies.

Tidepool Wealth Strategies website
Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF LinkedIn

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

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Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.