So you’ve saved enough and your retirement package looks secure when you’re 65 and able to get Medicare, but you’ve got a few years until you’re eligible. What are your options and what one do you choose. If you are fortunate enough to work for one of the few employers who continue to offer best health insurance for retired seniors that may be your best option but there are fewer and fewer employers offering that perk. Most employers ceased that practice years ago as benefit costs spiraled upwards.
If you have a spouse who continues to work you could be enrolled in coverage on their plan. However, if you have made your plans so that both of you could retire at the same time and if you haven't got a spouse then what can you do? There are still some options available to you like COBRA.
COBRA benefits could provide up to 18 months of coverage and an additional 11 months if retirement includes a disability as recognized by the Social Security but with COBRA benefits the employer is no longer obligated to pay their portion of the health care tab and what was once not a terribly burdensome sum can quickly become one.
Under the Affordable Care Act signed into law in 2010, a Marketplace for employer vs individual health insurance was created. In years passed you might have been fearful that leaving your current policy with any pre-existing conditions might leave you with no insurance or with some very expensive plan because of them. Since the ACA came into being that is no longer a concern. The health care plan you had when you were employed was also governed by ACA regulations so the switch to other plans should be nearly seamless.
Health insurance for retirees under 65 can be a challenge and one that should figure into any early retirement plans. Going without insurance even if you have been in excellent health is a risky thing to do. A single illness or accident with the cost of medical care today can cost you a large portion if not all of your retirement nest egg. Don’t gamble with the retirement you have worked all your life to get.
A greater number of retirees are considering the option of retirement overseas. It is important to consider health care in making that decision. Medicare coverage ends at the border. Some Medigap policies have travel options but few are designed with expats in mind. Reviewing the health care system and its services and costs should be a part of any plans to live outside the country.
Some workers who work past 65 are concerned about what they will do when they retire as they opted to retain the employer's health plan instead of taking Parts B & D when they were first offered. As leaving employment is considered a life changing event like getting married or divorced a retiree can get coverage outside the open enrollment period.
At consumercoverage you can explore the possibilities of retirement coverage before you have reached 65 and Medicare eligibility as well as Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Prescription coverage and other private insurance options for vision hearing and dental coverage. ConsumerCoverage.com offers free comparative quotes on many health insurance products like supplemental health insurance quotes. This internet site offers health, homeowners/renters, life both term and whole life policies as well as coverage for all your vehicles.
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