Pillar 2: Protecting Your Health and Your Wealth
Nothing is more important than your health, and planning for healthcare costs is a non-negotiable part of senior finances. Out-of-pocket medical expenses can be one of the biggest threats to a secure retirement, so having a solid plan in place is crucial for your financial wellness.
Navigating the Medicare Maze
At age 65, you become eligible for Medicare. It is a fantastic program, but it can be confusing. Understanding the different parts is the first step.
Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health care. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. You will pay a monthly premium for Part B, which is often deducted from your Social Security benefit.
Together, Parts A and B are known as Original Medicare. However, they do not cover everything. There are deductibles and coinsurance, and notably, Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing aids.
To fill these gaps, you have two main options:
1. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: These are private insurance policies that help pay for the “gaps” in Original Medicare, like copayments and deductibles. You would also need to purchase a separate Part D (Prescription Drug) plan.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans: These are all-in-one plans offered by private companies that bundle Parts A, B, and often D. They may also include extra benefits like dental and vision. These plans usually have specific networks of doctors and hospitals you must use.
Choosing the right path depends on your budget, your health needs, and your preference for choice and flexibility. It is essential to review your options each year during the Open Enrollment period, as plans and your needs can change. The official Medicare website is the best source for unbiased information.
Planning for Long-Term Care
One of the biggest potential expenses in later life is long-term care—the cost of assistance with daily living activities, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. It is important to know that Medicare does not cover most long-term care. This means you need a separate plan.
Options for funding long-term care include:
Self-Funding: Paying for care out of your own savings. This requires significant assets, as costs can easily exceed $100,000 per year in some areas.
Long-Term Care Insurance: A traditional policy designed specifically to cover these costs. Premiums can be expensive and may increase over time.
Hybrid Life Insurance/Annuities: These products combine a life insurance policy or an annuity with a long-term care benefit. If you need care, you can draw from the benefit. If you do not, the policy passes to your heirs as a death benefit.
The conversation about long-term care can be uncomfortable, but having it early gives you more options and protects your family from both the financial and emotional burden of making crisis decisions later on.
