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.
Complete Your Early Retirement Health SnapshotEarly Retirement 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 Options
Every early retiree's situation is unique. Here are the main health insurance paths we help people navigate:
ACA Marketplace 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?
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 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.
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.
The Entrepreneur
Age: 50-65 | Income: Variable
Sold business or transitioning to consulting. Income may fluctuate year to year, requiring flexible coverage options.
The Health-Conscious Retiree
Age: 55-64 | Income: Any level
Excellent health, minimal medical needs, but wants protection against catastrophic events.
What Information Your 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 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
Early Retirement Personal Health 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.