The Basics of Planning for Healthcare in Retirement Epstein & White Mercer Advisors

Most couples will spend about $315,000 on healthcare in retirement.[1] Let that number sink in. Do you have a plan for how you’re going to manage costs like that?

Luckily, if you’re not sure, we have some recommendations!

A solid retirement plan is a good place to start. Contributing to a retirement account may help you grow your savings and build a comfortable nest egg to help you deal with big healthcare bills.

Knowing what your plan is for Social Security may also be a good idea. Social Security likely won’t be enough to cover your medical costs on its own, but knowing the rules and tricks for when to claim may help to bolster your savings and monthly income during retirement.[1]

Understanding what is and is not covered under Medicare is also important. Medicare may cover things like hospital stays and procedures, as well as doctor visits and outpatient treatments. It may also cover prescription drugs, depending on how you utilize your Medicare offerings. Medicare alone usually does not cover dental or vision, so tailored healthcare insurance options for those things may be something you want to consider to make sure a healthcare expense doesn’t derail your finances.

Medicare also does not cover long-term care. Long-term care includes nursing home care, home health care, and other kinds of care that cater to the needs of people who are dealing with long-term health issues.[2] Long-term care can be very costly, and it is something that you may want to think about rolling into your retirement plan. There are various options for long-term care insurance that may be right for you, depending on your situation. The cost of these long-term care insurance options varies, depending on your circumstances, and there are some options for federal long-term care insurance as well.

Another thing you may want to consider in your healthcare plans is an HSA (Health Savings Account). HSAs often have many tax advantages: your contributions are often tax deductible and allowed to grow tax-deferred, and you can use the account to pay for medical expenses tax-free.[1]

At the end of the day, your healthcare plan has to be catered to you. Your health and your situation are what will determine the best path going forward for you financially. If you’re looking for someone to help design a retirement plan that caters to you and your needs, Click HERE to reach out to one of our professionals at Mercer Advisors, Formerly Epstein & White for a conversation about your financial situation today.

 

 

This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial guidance. Before you make any decisions regarding your personal financial situation, you should consult a financial or tax professional to discuss your individual circumstances and objectives. The sources used to prepare this material are believed to be true, accurate and reliable, but are not guaranteed.
Epstein & White is a tradename. All services provided by Epstein & White investment professionals are provided in their individual capacities as investment adviser representatives of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (“Mercer Advisors”), an SEC registered investment adviser principally located in Denver, Colorado, with various branch offices throughout the United States doing business under different tradenames, including Epstein & White. Information contained herein is for informational and illustrative purposes only and general in nature. It should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any type of securities or insurance products and no investment decision should be made based solely on any information provided herein. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. We provide this information with the understanding that we are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or tax services. We recommend that all investors seek out the services of competent professionals in any of the aforementioned areas.