Over 80% of retirees fail to plan for future health costs. How to save thousands depending on where you live in the U.S.
Yahoo Finance·2026-01-17 13:00

Core Insights - Many Americans neglect the significant expense of health care, particularly long-term care, in their retirement planning, with one in five overlooking this cost [2] - A substantial majority (80%) of individuals aged 65 and older will require some form of long-term care, with 40% needing high-intensity care lasting over a year [2] - Only 3% of Americans, or 15% of those aged 65 and older, possess long-term care insurance, largely due to misconceptions about Medicare coverage [3] Long-Term Care Costs - Long-term care costs vary significantly by state, with states like California and New York having higher costs due to elevated living expenses, labor costs, and real estate prices [5] - In contrast, states such as Mississippi and Texas offer long-term care at approximately half the cost of that in California and New York [5] - Mississippi is identified as the most affordable state for senior care, featuring a low cost of living and reputable home care services [6]