Aging in Place

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Healthcare Coverage For many older adults, healthcare can be one of the largest expenses, and unfortunately, one of the hardest to predict. For some, it ’ s a major worry as reflected in the statistics below.

had to cut back on basic necessities like food, clothing or utilities to pay for healthcare.

of adults age 65 and older are concerned they won’t be able to pay for needed healthcare in the next year.

of people age 65+ have skipped or postponed getting healthcare they needed because of cost.

say they are anxious about being able to afford the cost of a nursing home or assisted living if they need it.

If you are planning to retire before age 65, do you have a plan to keep healthcare coverage before you become eligible for Medicare? See “ Did You Know ” box below for additional information Yes ____ No ____ Not Sure ____ N/A _____

If you are age 65 or above, are you currently enrolled in Medicare? Yes, Original Medicare ____ Yes, Medicare Part C/Advantage ____ Not Sure ____ N/A _____

Are you happy with your current health insurance plan ’ s benefits? Yes ____ No ____ Not Sure ____ N/A _____

Do you know how to make changes to your plan during Open Enrollment Periods? Note: The Open Enrollment Period for Medicare is typically Oct 15 - Dec 7 each year, while the Open Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act* Marketplace Plans usually runs from Nov 1 - Jan 15. Yes ____ No ____ Not Sure ____ N/A _____

Did You Know?

You become eligible for Medicare at age 65 no matter when you retire. If you plan to retire before you reach Medicare eligibility, it ’ s important to know how you will cover your health insurance expenses in the interim. Some employers offer transitional health insurance to their retirees at somewhat higher premiums than they were paying while still working. You might be able to get insurance through your spouse ’ s employer . Keeping your insurance through COBRA is a short - term solution (up to 18 months), although this is usually quite expensive. The Affordable Care Act* was intended to provide affordable policies for people who fall through the cracks of health insurance eligibility (like early retirees), but policy changes at the federal level make this option increasingly uncertain. The AARP resource linked below has additional guidance on this topic.

aarp.org/medicare/faq/eligible - for - medicare - at - age - 62/

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Aging in Place: Your Home, Your Community, Your Choice

Health & Wellness