Healthcare Open Enrollment Tips for 2026 and a Catch-Up Plan for Retirement

NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Learn how to pick the right health plan for your situation and build a stronger retirement even if you feel behind.

How do you choose the best health plan during open enrollment? What can you do to secure retirement if savings feel like they’re falling short? In the first of a two-part series, hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down open enrollment decisions so you can protect your health and long-term wealth. But first, NerdWallet senior writer Kim Palmer joins them to present this month’s book club conversation about Gen X’s path to retirement security. She talks to Kerry Hannon and Janna Herron, authors of “Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future,” about how to take control of retirement even when you feel like you’re late to the game. That includes revisiting cash flow and lifestyle creep, attacking high-interest debt, considering step-down or flexible work to extend earning years, and planning for healthcare costs in retirement.

Then, NerdWallet writer Kate Ashford joins Sean and Elizabeth to present a clear walkthrough of healthcare plans as we enter open enrollment season. She discusses premiums vs. deductibles vs. out-of-pocket maximums, when an HMO or PPO fits best, and how Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) work — including the triple-tax edge of HSAs. They share practical, listener-first guidance on running plan comparisons, checking drug prices and doctor networks, watching ACA subsidy changes and deadlines, and building a values-driven, realistic retirement health plan you can start acting on today.

From comparing health insurance plans to understanding out-of-pocket costs, here’s NerdWallet’s free step-by-step guide to help you choose the best coverage: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/health/choose-health-insurance

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In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: health coverage options, ACA marketplace, premium tax credits, health insurance subsidies, annual enrollment period, insurance plan comparison, coinsurance examples, copay structure, catastrophic health plans, employer benefits package, dependent coverage, preventive care coverage, out-of-network costs, provider networks, telehealth coverage, prescription tiers, pre-tax savings, IRS contribution limits, healthcare inflation, medical cost planning, retirement healthcare expenses, long-term care costs, catch-up contributions, IRA rollover, compound growth, late retirement planning, work after retirement, side income in retirement, debt-free retirement, financial independence, budgeting for healthcare, reducing healthcare costs, maximizing employer benefits, flexible work transition, delayed retirement, insurance renewal tips, healthcare budgeting, and cost-of-living planning.

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