You’re 58, ready to retire, and your 401k is solid. But then reality hits: Medicare doesn't start until age 65. That's up to seven years of needing health insurance on your own. This "healthcare gap" could cost you over $30,000 a year, threatening to derail your early retirement dreams.

In this episode, we provide a clear roadmap for navigating healthcare costs before Medicare eligibility.

Brett explores:

• The surprisingly high costs of COBRA coverage without an employer subsidy.
• Three key options for coverage: COBRA, health sharing plans, and the ACA marketplace.
• How premium tax credits on the marketplace can dramatically lower your monthly premiums.
• The importance of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and long-term care planning.
• Special considerations for veterans and TRICARE.
• A clear takeaway message: Healthcare costs don’t have to be a barrier to early retirement with the right plan.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have the tools to protect both your health and your wealth.

Key Timestamps:

(0:45) The early retirement healthcare problem

(3:04) The high cost of the healthcare gap

(4:25) Option 1: COBRA coverage

(6:15) Option 2: Health sharing plans

(7:53) Option 3: The Health Insurance Marketplace

(11:18) The power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

(12:35) The long-term care elephant in the room

(13:40) Special considerations for veterans

(14:45) Your early retirement strategy

(18:18) Final message and outro

#CRNAs #EarlyRetirement #Healthcare #Medicare #FinancialPlanning

For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.