One number controls your early retirement health costs — understand it and say goodbye to Medicare fears

Many American workers retire just in time for Social Security benefits but a little too early for Medicare coverage. The average retirement age is 62, according to a study from Mass Mutual (1), which also happens to be the earliest age you can start receiving Social Security checks. However, unless you have a specific disability, Medicare eligibility doesn’t start until age 65. In other words, many retirees face a few years of potentially steep health care insurance premiums. If you retire earlier than ...