Here’s what the math looks like according to KFF: In 2025, subsidized ACA enrollees paid about $888 per year on average. In 2026, that average rose to about $1,904, a 114% increase.The amount health insurers charge for coverage on the ACA Marketplaces is rising 26%, on average, in 2026, according to KFF, a health policy research group (1). At the end of 2025, enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which helped millions of people keep premiums low, expired after Congress failed to extend them. Signups ...

Core Insights - HealthEquity, Inc. is the largest health savings account custodian in the U.S. and a leading provider of consumer-directed benefits, announcing its initial outlook for fiscal year 2027 and reaffirming guidance for fiscal year 2026 [1][3] Financial Outlook - For fiscal year ending January 31, 2027, the company expects revenues between $1.38 billion and $1.41 billion, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 43.8% to 44.3% and a yield on HSA Cash of approximately 3.75% [2] Strategic Positioning - The company has modernized its business, enhancing security, accelerating digital experiences, and driving engagement, positioning itself for durable growth and long-term shareholder value [3] - HealthEquity collaborates with over 200 integrated Network Partners, including health and retirement plan partners, brokers, and benefit advisors, to address healthcare affordability challenges [3] Investor Engagement - The company will present its fiscal 2027 estimates and expectations at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 13, 2026 [3][4]

Core Insights - The article discusses unique tax situations faced by middle-class retirees, emphasizing the importance of understanding tax deductions available to them in 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Tax Deductions for Retirees - A new temporary senior deduction for individuals aged 65 and older allows qualifying taxpayers to deduct up to $6,000 from their taxable income, applicable from 2025 to 2028 [3]. - Retirees can utilize Health Savings Account (HSA) funds for qualified medical expenses, including Medicare premiums, allowing for tax-free income to cover these costs [4]. - Starting in 2026, retirees can claim tax deductions for charitable donations without needing to itemize, allowing $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly [5].

Retirement Account Contribution Limits - The contribution limit for individual retirement accounts (IRAs) will increase to $7,500 in 2026, with a catch-up contribution limit of $1,100 for individuals aged 50 and older [2] - For Roth IRAs, the income limit for contributions will rise to between $153,000 and $168,000 for singles and heads of household, and between $242,000 and $252,000 for married couples filing jointly [3] - The contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, and the federal Thrift Savings Plan will increase to $24,500, with an $8,000 catch-up for those aged 50 and older [4] Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - The annual contribution limit for HSAs will increase to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for family coverage in 2026, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution for those aged 55 or older [6] Social Security Benefits - The Social Security Administration will implement a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, resulting in an average increase of $56 per month for approximately 75 million retired seniors and disabled workers [8]

Core Insights - HealthEquity, Inc. is a leading player in the medical services industry, focusing on health savings accounts (HSAs) and related financial services, with a strong emphasis on financial performance and strategic initiatives to enhance member savings and investment strategies [1] Financial Performance - For Q3 2026, HealthEquity reported earnings of $1.01 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.90 per share, resulting in a 12.22% earnings surprise and an increase from $0.78 per share in the same quarter last year [3] - The company's revenue for the quarter ending October 2025 was $322.16 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.69% and reflecting a 7% increase from $300.43 million reported in the same period last year [4][6] Strategic Initiatives - HealthEquity returned $93.7 million to shareholders through stock repurchases and implemented a $2.25 billion 5-year Treasury bond hedge to mitigate HSA cash repricing risk [5] - Total HSA assets grew by 15% to $34.4 billion, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing member savings and investment strategies [5] Market Position and Analyst Ratings - Citigroup maintained an "Outperform" rating for HealthEquity with a stock price of $98.64 and raised the price target from $117 to $122, indicating positive expectations for the company's future performance [2][6]

Core Insights - Open enrollment season presents a significant opportunity for Americans to utilize tax-free savings through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), yet many workers fail to take full advantage due to misunderstandings [1][2][3] Group 1: Importance of Open Enrollment - Open enrollment is a critical annual period for workers to update health insurance, adjust retirement contributions, and elect optional benefits like FSAs and HSAs, with limited opportunities to make changes until the next enrollment period [3] - This period is often overlooked, despite its potential financial benefits [3] Group 2: Understanding FSAs and HSAs - FSAs allow workers to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, but they typically operate on a "use it or lose it" basis, meaning unspent funds may be forfeited at the end of the year unless specific employer provisions are in place [4] - HSAs are available only to those enrolled in qualifying high-deductible health plans, offering pre-tax contributions that do not expire, can be invested, and provide tax-free withdrawals for eligible health expenses, thus presenting a "triple tax advantage" [5] Group 3: Awareness and Usage Trends - FSAs and HSAs are among the least understood workplace benefits, with only one in five Gen Z workers utilizing these accounts and understanding their role in employer health insurance plans, indicating a broader trend of insufficient research into these financial tools [6]

Core Insights - HealthEquity, Inc. reported a record third quarter for fiscal 2026, achieving a net income of $52 million, a 20% growth in Adjusted EBITDA, and a 29% increase in non-GAAP net income per share, highlighting the company's commitment to enhancing healthcare consumer experiences [2][4]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the third quarter ended October 31, 2025, was $322.2 million, reflecting a 7% increase from $300.4 million in the same quarter of the previous year [3][12]. - The company reported net income of $51.7 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared to $5.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2024 [4][12]. - Adjusted EBITDA reached $141.8 million, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year, with Adjusted EBITDA representing 44% of revenue, up from 39% [5][40]. Account and Asset Metrics - As of October 31, 2025, HealthEquity administered 10.1 million HSAs, a 6% increase year-over-year, including 802,000 HSAs with investments, which is a 12% increase [6][32]. - Total HSA Assets amounted to $34.4 billion, reflecting a 15% year-over-year growth, with $16.9 billion in HSA cash and $17.5 billion in HSA investments [7][34]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased 1.0 million shares of its common stock for $93.7 million during the third quarter, with $258.8 million remaining authorized for future repurchases [8][12]. Business Outlook - For the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026, management anticipates revenues between $1.302 billion and $1.312 billion, with net income projected between $197 million and $205 million, translating to net income per diluted share of $2.24 to $2.33 [9][41].

Core Insights - Retirement planning without a 401(k) is feasible, but strategies may differ from those who have access to such plans [1] Group 1: Alternative Retirement Accounts - Individuals without a 401(k) can still invest in retirement accounts like traditional or Roth IRAs, with annual contributions up to $7,000 ($8,000 for those over 50) [3] - Freelancers or small business owners can utilize SEP IRAs or Solo 401(k) plans for higher contribution limits compared to standard IRAs [3][4] Group 2: Income-Generating Assets - Building income-producing assets is recommended for those not relying on retirement accounts, including real estate, dividend-paying stocks, index funds, and online businesses [4][5] - Real estate is highlighted as a particularly lucrative option for generating cash flow and capital gains, providing control and liquidity [5] Group 3: Healthcare Planning - Planning for healthcare is essential as retirement typically lacks employer-provided health benefits; options include ACA health plans and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) [6] - HSAs offer tax advantages, allowing pre-tax contributions to grow tax-free and enabling tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses [7] Group 4: Financial Independence Approach - The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is suggested, advocating for saving 50% to 70% of income and investing in low-cost index funds [7]

Core Insights - President Trump has a limited timeframe to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) before health insurance premiums potentially increase significantly for millions of Americans [1][3] - The expiration of pandemic-era subsidies at the end of the year could lead to premiums more than doubling by 2026, affecting 24 million people enrolled in ACA plans [3][6] - Lawmakers are considering various proposals, including extending subsidies, implementing new restrictions, or introducing health savings accounts (HSAs) as alternatives [6][8] Legislative Context - The government shutdown earlier this month was largely centered around the issue of subsidies, with a potential for another shutdown if an agreement is not reached by January 30 [2] - Trump's recent proposal suggests returning funds directly to individuals rather than insurance companies, allowing for personal negotiation of insurance plans [4][6] Financial Implications - If subsidies are not extended, an estimated 2.2 million people could become uninsured by 2024, according to the Congressional Budget Office [3] - The proposed changes could lead to a significant reduction in enrollment, particularly among younger and lower-income individuals, due to the removal of $0 premium plans [7][10] Proposed Alternatives - Senator Rick Scott's proposal would replace premium subsidies with contributions to HSAs, allowing beneficiaries to purchase insurance or pay for services directly [8] - Senator Bill Cassidy's plan would convert expiring subsidies into HSA contributions for healthcare expenses, but not for premiums, maintaining much of the ACA framework [9][10] Expert Opinions - Experts warn that shifting to HSAs may provide more flexibility for healthy individuals but could destabilize the insurance market by driving up premiums for those with higher healthcare needs [10]

Core Insights - HealthEquity, Inc. is set to release its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 on December 3, 2025, after market hours [1] - A conference call for investors will follow the announcement, scheduled for the same day at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time [2] Company Overview - HealthEquity administers Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and other consumer-directed benefits for over 17 million accounts, collaborating with employers, benefits advisors, and health plan providers [3] - The company focuses on empowering healthcare consumers through innovative solutions aimed at improving health outcomes and overall well-being [3]