How to Plan for Healthcare Costs in Retirement
According to a recent study by Fidelity, the average total costs of healthcare for a retired couple, aged 65, will be $300,000 (after tax).¹ When people think about their retirement goals, they often overlook the expenses associated with keeping up their health. Becoming aware of your options and how you can fund this goal in retirement can help mitigate the possibility of having to give up your current lifestyle.
Know Your Health Insurance Options
What are your options for healthcare in retirement?
The obvious answer is Medicare. But what exactly do you get when you sign up for ‘Medicare?’ It consists of four parts – Parts A, B, C, and D:
- Part A (Original Medicare) covers hospital care, most skilled nursing facilities, and hospice/home health services. If you previously paid more than 40 quarters of Medicare payroll tax while working, Part A is premium-free.
- Part B (Original Medicare) covers doctor visits, clinical lab services, outpatient and preventive care, screenings, surgical fees/supplies, and physical and occupational therapy. The premiums for Part B are based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) reported on your tax return from two years ago.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) combines parts A and B and can also include prescription drug coverage. The premiums are based on the type of plan you choose and what is covered by the plan.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) covers your prescriptions. These premiums are also based on your MAGI as reported on your tax return from two years ago.
You may need other types of insurance during retirement besides Medicare to help cover the costs of unexpected events. A previous employer or union may offer retirees a health insurance plan that supplements Medicare coverage.
Another option to consider is a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy, also known as “Medigap.” This type of health insurance is purchased through a private company and can help to pay for any out-of-pocket costs not covered by the Medicare plans above (such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles).
Be aware though! There is a six-month open enrollment period in which you can apply for a Medigap policy. If you miss this deadline, there is no guarantee your application for insurance will be accepted, and your premiums may also be higher.
Calculate the Costs of Healthcare
As mentioned above, your Medicare premiums for Parts B and D are based on your MAGI as reported on your tax return from two years ago. The various brackets can be found here for Part B and here for Part D. Proactively planning for these brackets can help to mitigate the costs of Medicare premiums paid in the future.
When determining the costs of other, supplemental insurance plans, be sure to review what the policies cover (and do not cover) to accurately figure your total healthcare expenses. The cost of a Medigap (supplemental) policy depends on your age, location you reside, and type of Medigap policy selected. The average annual premium was $1,800 in 2020.²
Other costs usually overlooked are the out-of-pocket expenses associated with co-pays, dentistry, and eye care. If these are not covered or reimbursed by your health insurance, they can add up quickly and dip into your spending budget.
Plan Ahead for the Long Term
Ensuring you have enough saved for your retirement, along with planning for long-term health costs, can seem burdensome at first. Fortunately, there are multiple savings and planning alternatives to help when it comes to your healthcare. One option is a Health Savings Account (HSA), which can be funded with pre-tax dollars. If used for qualified medical expenses, it can be withdrawn tax-free as well! When estimating your retirement spending, remember to include healthcare costs, so as not to underestimate how much you will need to save for your ideal future. Other items to consider may be whether you have enough saved up for a potential nursing home stay, and if a long-term care insurance plan is needed.
Healthcare Costs in Retirement: Conclusion
With the right set of healthcare tools in the toolbox for your ideal future, you should not have to give up your other retirement goals. Every individual’s situation is different, and meeting healthcare costs in retirement can be done in a variety of ways. Be sure to discuss all of your goals with your financial advisor and how the different options available can help you reach them.
¹ Fidelity’s 2021 Survey is based on an average life expectancies that align with Society of Actuaries RP-2014 Mortality Table Healthy Annuitants rates projected with Mortality Improvement Scale MP-2020 as of 2021.
² According to Senior Market Sales’ research, in 2020, the average Medigap premium was $1,800 per year.
Sources: Fidelity.com | Retireguide.com | Medicare.gov | Medicareinteractive.org
This is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized financial advice. Please consult your financial professional regarding your unique situation.
Kelli M. Peterson
Tax and Training Manager