10/19/2026
Open enrollment season is here. Many employers are opening benefits elections now, Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7, and ACA Marketplace enrollment generally opens November 1.
Most people pick their benefits in a hurry. But several of those choices are also tax decisions:
HSA-eligible plans: A high-deductible plan paired with an HSA lets you contribute pre-tax, grow the money tax-free, and withdraw it tax-free for qualified medical expenses. Starting in 2026, bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans are also treated as HSA-eligible.
Flexible spending accounts: Health and dependent care FSAs reduce taxable income, but unused money may be lost under use-it-or-lose-it rules, so estimate carefully. The dependent care FSA limit rose to $7,500 starting in 2026.
Pre-tax or Roth 401(k): Pre-tax contributions lower your taxes today. Roth contributions are taxed now but can come out tax-free in retirement. The right mix depends on your income now and what you expect later.
We don’t choose insurance plans for you. We help you understand the tax impact of each option, so you can choose with the full picture.
Bring your enrollment options to your year-end planning meeting with DWG, or call us at (281) 201-8348.
