How do I get health insurance if I retire before 65?

Options include: ACA marketplace plans (often with subsidies if income is managed), COBRA continuation (expensive, up to 18 months), spouse's employer plan, health sharing ministries, or short-term plans. ACA is typically the best option for early retirees.

How do ACA subsidies work for early retirees?

ACA subsidies are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Early retirees can control MAGI through strategic Roth conversions and capital gains harvesting. Keeping MAGI between 100-400% of poverty level maximizes subsidies.

How much should I budget for healthcare before Medicare?

Budget $500-$1,500/month per person for premiums plus $5,000-$10,000 annual out-of-pocket maximum. Costs vary by age, location, and plan level. Healthcare is often the largest expense for early retirees.

What is the Medicare coverage gap?

The gap is the years between early retirement and Medicare eligibility at 65. This 'bridge' period requires careful planning as healthcare costs are highest and employer coverage ends. Plan for 5-15+ years of self-funded coverage.

From Chapter 9: "Investing"

FIRE Healthcare Bridge Planner

Plan your healthcare coverage strategy from early retirement until Medicare eligibility with ACA marketplace analysis, COBRA options, and comprehensive cost projections.

Pre-65 Coverage Years

ACA + COBRA Options Analyzed

Tax Credits Subsidy Optimization

Healthcare Bridge Planning

Personal & Retirement Details

Current Age

Your current age

Planned Retirement Age

Age when you plan to retire

Household Size

Number of people needing coverage

State

Healthcare cost varies by state

Retirement Income

Projected Annual Income

Total taxable income in retirement (for ACA subsidy calculation)

Health Status

Affects coverage needs and costs

Spouse Coverage Options

Spouse has employer coverage available

Enable to compare your options with spouse's employer plan

Bridge Duration

15 Years

Until Medicare eligibility

Total Healthcare Cost

$180,000

Estimated total bridge cost

Monthly Premium

$800

Average monthly cost

Recommended Strategy

ACA Marketplace

Best option for your situation

State Cost Adjustment: Texas ×0.85

Healthcare costs in your state are 15% below the national average.

Healthcare Coverage Options

Option	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost	Total Bridge Cost	Pros/Cons

Healthcare Cost Projection Over Time

Healthcare Cost Optimization Strategies

Chapter 9: "Investing"

Learn the complete FIRE healthcare planning system that bridges early retirement to Medicare

Master FIRE Healthcare Planning

This healthcare bridge planner implements the comprehensive healthcare strategy from Chapter 9 of The Real Money Guide, helping you navigate the complex world of early retirement healthcare coverage.

ACA Marketplace Mastery

Learn ACA marketplace optimization and subsidy strategies to minimize healthcare costs.

COBRA Bridge Strategy

Master COBRA continuation and timing decisions for seamless coverage transitions.

HSA Bridge Planning

Understand HSA bridge strategies for tax-free healthcare cost coverage in early retirement.

Income Optimization

Optimize retirement income to maximize ACA subsidies and minimize healthcare premiums.

Geographic Arbitrage

Leverage location independence to reduce healthcare costs through strategic relocation.

Comprehensive Coverage

Develop comprehensive healthcare coverage plans that protect your FIRE journey.

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