While you were working, you likely relied on employer insurance. But after retirement your options are different, and that requires careful planning.
Some 58% of people in the U.S. today get their health insurance through an employer, either their own or a spouse’s (or a parent’s, if under 26). Employers usually subsidize the premiums, so employees generally pay far less than the full cost of the insurance. Premiums for family coverage averaged $20,576 in 2019, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation 2019 Employer Health Benefits Survey, but employees paid just 30% of that, or $6,015 ($501 per month). The subsidy was even greater for single coverage: employees paid just 18% of the $7,188 annual premium, or $1,242 ($103 per month). These are averages, so your situation could be different.
Health Care Options in Retirement –Elaine Floyd, CFP®
Elaine Floyd, CFP®, is the Director of Retirement and Life Planning, Horsesmouth, LLC., where she focuses on helping people understand the practical and technical aspects of retirement income planning.