Early Retirement Health Insurance Before Medicare

Navigate the complex world of health insurance with confidence. From ACA marketplace plans to private options, we'll help you find the right coverage to bridge the gap until Medicare kicks in.

Get Your Retirement Health Plan

Early Retirement Health Insurance Timeline

6-12 months before: Start planning your health insurance transition

3 months before: Get COBRA details from HR

60 days before: Apply for new coverage

At retirement: Activate your new plan

Age 65: Transition to Medicare

Learn About Your Early Retirement Health Insurance Options

Every early retiree's situation is unique. Here are the main health insurance paths we help people navigate:

ACA Marketplace Health Insurance Plans + Supplement

Great for those whose income goes down when they retire and those with pre-existing conditions. When income decreases, you qualify for tax credits that make these plans more affordable. These marketplace plans, however, have narrow networks. To make sure you can receive healthcare wherever you need, we always recommend pairing these plans with a supplement.

Private Health Insurance + Cost Share

These plans are best for people who are retiring but maintaining a high income and are relatively healthy. Private plans come with better deductibles, better networks and lower premiums than fully-priced Marketplace plans. The catch? These plans are limited benefit. While the limits are high and generous, Iconic is here to make sure your assets are covered. So we always recommend adding a cost sharing plan to eliminate your risk.

Dental + Vision Insurance

This is the easy part! What we do at Iconic is simply call your dentist & vision provider and see what types of plans they accept. Once we know the carriers that will allow you to stay with your current provider, we shop around to make sure you get the best price.

What about Medicare Health Insurance?

Turning 65 doesn't mean navigating Medicare alone. At Iconic, the support doesn't stop when you reach Medicare eligibility. We help you graduate into Medicare with clarity and confidence, making sure the transition is smooth and your coverage aligns with your needs moving forward.

Common Early Retirement Health Insurance Scenarios

We've helped hundreds of early retirees with health insurance. Here are the most common situations we see:

The Healthy Corporate Executive

Age: 55-62 | Income: High

Retiring with substantial savings but no employer coverage. Usually best served with private plans due to income levels that don't qualify for ACA subsidies.

Typical Health Insurance Solution: Private plan + cost-sharing for catastrophic protection

The Downsizing Couple

Age: 58-64 | Income: Moderate

Planned to reduce income in retirement. Often qualify for ACA subsidies that make marketplace plans very affordable.

Typical Health Insurance Solution: ACA plan with subsidies + supplement for network flexibility

The Entrepreneur

Age: 50-65 | Income: Variable

Sold business or transitioning to consulting. Income may fluctuate year to year, requiring flexible coverage options.

Typical Health Insurance Solution: Hybrid approach based on projected annual income

The Health-Conscious Retiree

Age: 55-64 | Income: Any level

Excellent health, minimal medical needs, but wants protection against catastrophic events.

Typical Health Insurance Solution: Hybrid approach based on projected annual income

What Information Your Health Insurance Advisor Will Need

Come prepared to make the most of your consultation. Here's what we'll discuss:

Household Information

  • Number of household members needing insurance
  • Date of birth for each member
  • Zip code where you'll be living
  • Planned retirement date

Health Care Information

  • List of prescriptions (with dosages)
  • Primary Care Provider (PCP)
  • Specialists you see regularly
  • Hospitals/Facilities you prefer
  • Any upcoming procedures or treatments

Financial Information

  • Projected household MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income)
  • Retirement income sources
  • COBRA details from your employer
  • Current health insurance costs
  • Health Savings Account balance

Lifestyle Preferences

  • Travel habits and frequency
  • Preferred dentist information
  • Vision care provider
  • Risk tolerance for deductibles
  • Network flexibility needs

What You Can Expect From Meeting Our Health Insurance Experts

We know that when you are planning to retire, your health insurance is on your mind, especially if you have been receiving it through your employer. Our independent health insurance experts are here to show you all of your options and how they work.

Comprehensive Health Insurance Options Review

We'll walk through every available option for your specific situation, explaining pros and cons clearly.

Health Insurance Cost Analysis & Projections

Real numbers for premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums based on your health usage patterns.

Ongoing Health Insurance Support

We're here for claims questions, plan changes, and annual reviews throughout your early retirement years.

Free Health Insurance Consultation Includes:

  • Personalized plan comparison
  • Network verification for your doctors
  • Prescription drug coverage analysis
  • Tax credit eligibility assessment
  • COBRA vs. marketplace comparison
  • Written recommendation summary
Schedule Your Consultation

Early Retirement Health Insurance Snapshot

Complete your snapshot to get a personalized retirement health insurance strategy from our experts. Have questions? Check our health insurance FAQ for common answers.