Marq1 wrote: Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:20 am
Your ACA numbers seem very high, my wife and I had a very modest plan for about 18 months while we were waiting for medicare to start. Our non subsidised rates were around $650 per month.
Thank you, @Marq1 – I rechecked the numbers for 2025 and the *cheapest* plan (without subsidies) for a couple of our age = $1,810 monthly premium with $18,400 deductible and $18,400 OOPM. Insurers in my state have filed for about a 40% premium increase in 2026, we’ll have to see where that lands.
runningsneakers wrote: Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:54 am
We used Cobra for dental and vision for 18 months, what Cobra allows. January 31 2023 was the end date. We worked it to schedule dental and vision appointments in January 2023. We payed one month premium, about $80, but got several hundred dollars in coverage. I would think the coverage would be prorated due to Cobra ending, but it did not.
Thanks for sharing your experience, @runningsneakers.
Sandtrap wrote: Sat Sep 13, 2025 7:51 am
to op:DW and I were in a similar situation that, though always different situations and perspectives, might be helpful for you.
FIRE age 58. No pension. No paid health insurance. No early SS (etc). Portfolio: 50x+
1. We did the same thing as you suggest. Cobra > ACA > Medicare (original) part F.
to OP: you have to calculate; coverage, premium costs, plan specifics, OOP costs, current and projected health status and annual costs including “black swan/perfect storm” health events.
2. Not sure what is “typical”. While for some/many ACA premiums and coverage work well, for others (us in our area at the time with zero options), neither “Affordable” nor financially/coverage “Caring”.
The “subsidy” cliff and penalties were in full effect, for us, then.
3. We did extensive research and the “system” (both ACA and Cobra) did best when coordinated timewise. You can check what is best for you.
4. Travel considerations: Not in play from our perspective when we retired (FIRE).
5. future unknown
(dislaimer: every person is different)
A. For us: health insurance costs and health care expenses from FIRE age 58 until Medicare Original were crushing. Both Cobra and ACA coverages were poor, premiums were very high. Because of health issues (for us only), OOP (out of pocket) costs during this period were astronomical and crushing.
B. To OP: Unless you can guarantee continued great health and minimal health care OOP costs, it might be a more “known” financial situation is you retire at age 65, or have your financials, etc, solidly secure during this gap period (re health insurance).
(dislaimer: for many/most/some, 33x at age 59 (op) vs 25x or less, is a “gamechanger”. For others, not so.)
C. To OP: Are your income streams diversified and substantive after you “retire” (no longer an employee)?
I hope this is helpful for you.
j
Good info, thanks for sharing!
clip651 wrote: Sat Sep 13, 2025 1:18 pmI’m sorry but I really have to disagree, health insurance is not just for catastrophic use. Congrats on being so healthy that you don’t even realize how much people depend on it. Whether it’s an injury, heart attack, chronic problem like an immune mediated disease or some cancers, or something else, many people need good access to good care just to get through their days.
Yes health insurance needs to cover us for the big really catastrophic scenarios. But when shopping/budgeting for it, we also need to consider common ongoing chronic conditions, acute health issues, and everything in between, and to consider also that we don’t know in advance when/if we will become a person where that sort of care is needed. You were fortunate, but pre-retirement years are a common time for these issues to develop even in formerly healthy people. So those deductibles, copays, and max OOPs need to be factored in as possible expenses when shopping for insurance. Some people even have to plan on the likelihood of hitting that max OOP every year, for example, and paying that while quite possibly not feeling well.
Thanks, @clip651, we are aligned with your thinking here. Been blessed so far with no major health issues but we’ve seen that change for family in one instant, can’t count on just being lucky.
