Early Retirement Health Insurance Marketplace Issues – If I Retire Early, Should I Buy Health Insurance Through The Health Insurance Marketplace?

2026 · IF I RETIRE EARLY, SHOULD I BUY HEALTH INSURANCE
THROUGH THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE?
Are you eligible for Medicare?Insurance offered through Medicare is an option. Continue on to see if you have other options.Insurance offered by your spouse’s current employer is an option to consider.Converting your group policy into individual coverage is an option.Does your spouse’s employer have 20 or more employees?Continue on to see if you have other options.Does your former employer or your spouse's employer have 20 or more employees or offer COBRA coverage?Do you want to keep your coverage or do you need a quick and convenient health insurance option?COBRA may be expensive. You may have to pay the full insurance premium plus a 2% fee. However, there may be subsidies available.You may be eligible for the Premium Tax Credit (subject to coverage and household income restrictions), but be mindful of the sensitive MAGI “cliff” at 400% of the federal poverty level.Consider if key doctorswill take the new health insurance.Can you convert your group policy into individual coverage?Compare costs/benefits of the health insurance options.The Health Insurance Marketplace can offer coverage until you are eligible for Medicare.Are you eligible for health insurance from your employer after you retire?Are you married and are you eligible for health insurance via your spouse’s current group health insurance?Insurance offered by your spouse’s employer is an option to consider. Continue on to see if you have other options.Are you married and are you eligible for health insurance via your spouse’s current group health insurance?You may be able to enroll in your spouse's current group plan as secondary coverage. Medicare would be primary.Insurance offered by your former employer is an option to consider. Continue on to see if you have other options.Medicare is likely the only option for you to consider.COBRA is a likely option. You can generally maintain COBRA coverage for up to 18 months (29 months if disabled).YesNoYesNoYesNoNoYesNoYesNoYesNoYesNoYesSTART HERE
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Birch Street Financial Advisors is an Investment Advisor registered with the State(s) of  Virginia.  All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or the completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. We may, from time to time, have a position in the securities mentioned and may execute transactions that may not be consistent with this communication's conclusions.  Please contact us at 703-319-8778 if there is any change in your financial situation, needs, goals or objectives, or if you wish to initiate any restrictions on the management of the account or modify existing restrictions. 
Joanne Burke, CFP®, CPA/PFS
705 Birch ST SW Vienna, VA 22180-6308
Joanne@Birchstreetadvisors.com | 703-319-8778 | www.Birchstreetadvisors.com