[USER]

For those who’ve reached Financial Independence (FI) and are under 65, navigating health insurance options can be tricky.

Without access to employer-sponsored plans and not yet qualifying for Medicare, what are your strategies for coverage?

Are you using ACA marketplace plans, health-sharing ministries, short-term plans, or something else entirely?

Also, how much do you typically budget for your health insurance costs—premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses?

Has it been more or less than you expected when planning for FI?

Please share your experience, what’s worked (or hasn’t), and any advice you’d give to others planning their early retirement health coverage.

Your input could really help those trying to build a realistic FI budget.

[Rob]

Healthcare is a huge cost. ACA (and CHIP for kids up to 19, no income limit in my state).

Subsidies reduce the cost when income is lower (which can mean that Roth funds get used early, not the conventional wisdom about this, to keep down cost since they don’t count as income for ACA).

We budget 40k for healthcare costs, but have actually spent 31k and 36k in each of the past 2 years with some subsidy.

[Gary]

It depends on income. It’s all changing in 2026 as well.
I sell individual health insurance in WA, yet would be glad to help give you some tips or point you in the right direction.

[Farnaz]

ACA through the exchange or direct. If high earner, then HSA might be a good option.

Of course, group plans if you have employees

[Betsy]

No health insurance
I schedule routine healthcare around international travel, as I can usually afford that out of pocket.

[Author]

Posts