More From Your Pension

The real reason public employees aren't retiring earlier


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Healthcare before 65 is the number one reason public employees say they're afraid to retire early. This episode breaks down exactly what your options are — and what's different about your situation as a pension holder.

Most retirement content on healthcare is built for private sector workers who can engineer their income to maximize ACA subsidies. You have a pension. That income floor changes the entire healthcare conversation — and the advice that works for your neighbor doesn't necessarily work for you.

In this episode, Cole walks through all five healthcare options available to public employees before Medicare kicks in at 65, why state and local government workers may still have access to a benefit the private sector largely eliminated decades ago, how pension income affects ACA subsidy math, what healthcare actually costs in real dollar ranges, and the three questions every public employee should ask HR before retiring.

Topics covered:

  • The five healthcare options before 65 — and which ones actually apply to pension holders
  • Why the share of private employers offering retiree health coverage dropped from 66% to 24% since 1988 — and why public employees are different
  • How your pension creates an income floor that changes ACA subsidy calculations
  • The 2026 enhanced subsidy expiration and what it means for marketplace costs
  • Real monthly cost ranges for each option
  • IRMAA and how stacked retirement income can trigger Medicare surcharges
  • The three questions to ask HR before you retire

This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. The strategies and examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.Farer Financial LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.


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More From Your PensionBy Cole Krilich