Forced Into Retirement Before Turning 65? Here Are Some Healthcare Options.

Group 1 - Many older Americans tend to retire at age 65 or later to enhance retirement savings and ensure smoother healthcare transitions, as Medicare eligibility begins at this age [1][2] - Early retirement can lead to challenges in securing health insurance, especially if downsizing occurs before age 65, making it difficult to find new employment [2][3] Group 2 - Options for health coverage if retiring before Medicare eligibility include joining a spouse's workplace plan, which may allow for special enrollment due to loss of coverage [4] - COBRA provides a way to retain employer health coverage for up to 18 months, but it can be expensive as individuals must pay full premiums without employer subsidies [5][6] - Purchasing a Marketplace plan through the Affordable Care Act is another option, allowing for special enrollment after losing employer coverage, with potential premium subsidies based on income [7][8]