Through inheritance, sale of a business or just old-fashioned careful financial planning, some Americans are in a position where they're giving serious consideration to retiring “early.” I put early in quotations because, for practical purposes, this just means someone is retiring before Social Security benefits are traditionally taken and before most people are eligible for Medicare at age 65.

Medicare isn't perfect, but for most people, it's an important milestone because it often provides more comprehensive healthcare coverage at a lower cost than is available to most Americans who don't have access to employer-based coverage. Furthermore, most people can get excellent coverage through Medicare without being subject to medical underwriting, which could include questions about pre-existing conditions or requests for medical records.

However, most clients retiring before age 65 won’t be eligible for Medicare. So a key factor in decision-making will be how to handle health-care costs and coverage in the gap years.

Here’s how financial advisors can help.

Things To Consider

The following factors will determine the right strategy for clients retiring early.

Health Status—Am I generally healthy and focused on prevention, or actively seeking care for a pre-existing acute or chronic condition?

Dependents—If I retire early and no longer have access to employer-based health insurance, what options will my dependents have?

Length Of Coverage—How many months or years will I need coverage before I'm eligible for Medicare at age 65?

Let’s look at two case studies to illustrate how advisors can assist clients in working through their options.

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