{"id":1821,"date":"2021-10-18T16:10:08","date_gmt":"2021-10-18T16:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gpswp.com\/cswans-new\/?p=1821"},"modified":"2021-10-18T16:10:21","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T16:10:21","slug":"healthcare-could-be-your-biggest-expense-in-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpswp.com\/cswans\/2021\/10\/18\/healthcare-could-be-your-biggest-expense-in-retirement\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthcare could be Your Biggest Expense in Retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
No matter what your age is, it\u2019s important to start preparing for the time when you eventually retire. One of the biggest financial issues you may encounter while you\u2019re ready to stop working is how much money you will need for your health care. In general, this can be a sizable amount. On average, a person of 65 would need around $190,000 to pay for costs related to their health. This estimate doesn\u2019t even take into account any preexisting chronic conditions or disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, one mistake people often make regarding retiring is believing that once they reach the age of 65, they will be eligible for Medicare<\/a> and that it will cover all their needs. However, in reality, Medicare isn\u2019t free and people are responsible for covering their premiums, deductibles and copays. Retirees who require coverage for dental care, prescription drugs, vision or hearing are also required to either buy additional insurance or pay for these things out of pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there is good news. There is a lot you can do to manage the costs of your medical care. Planning can really be a lifesaver for your costs once you retire. These are ways you can ensure that you are covered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Health Care Investment Account<\/strong>: Creating an investment account for your estimated medical costs is a great idea. You should ensure that it\u2019s kept separate from your other retirement money. Estimating how much you will need for the future can help you to be successful at saving for these costs. Additionally, these types of accounts also allow you to save money on your taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Consider Long-Term Care Insurance<\/strong>: Over half of people 65 or older will require long-term care at some point in their lives. Getting a long-term care insurance policy<\/a> can ensure that your future health needs are met if you require assisted living, home care or a nursing home. This option is also expensive, but it is well worth it if you save early on and already have chronic health conditions or a family history of certain conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Take Care of Your Health<\/strong>: If your health is better after retirement age, it will be easier on you from a financial standpoint. Your health care expenses will be less than that of someone who isn\u2019t in good health. Eat a well-balanced diet, incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine, maintain a healthy weight and get a good night\u2019s sleep daily. This offers you a dual benefit in enjoying better health than your peers and helping you save money in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n