Donald C. Reutemann CFP®, RPA, AIF®

(518) 688-2223

Retirement Read Time: 2 min

Money that Buys Good Health is Never Ill Spent

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average person covered by Medicare has out-of-pocket medical expenses in excess of $5,400 a year. Premium costs accounted for 42% of the total, while long-term facility costs, medical supplies, prescription drugs, and dental care claim most of the rest of the costs.1

With healthcare expenses in the spotlight, it’s incumbent upon us to make sure our retirement strategy anticipates these costs.

But that’s not enough.

Remember, healthcare coverage (including Medicare) typically does not cover extended medical care. And it’s a prospect we shouldn’t overlook.

The Administration for Community Living estimates that about 60% of people will need extended care at some point in their lives.2

These annual costs can range widely based on geographic location and the type of care required. An assisted living facility will cost over $80,000 per year in Alaska. In Oklahoma, in would cost around $46,000 a year.3 When workers were surveyed, only 15% said they were “very confident” they would have enough money to pay for extended care in retirement.4

Finally, you may want to consider a Medigap policy, which may help cover some of the healthcare costs not covered by Medicare.

Making sure that you are properly insured for your medical costs may help strengthen the foundation of your retirement.

1. Kaiser Family Foundation, November 4, 2019 (Based on 2016 data, which is the latest available.)
2. Administration for Community Living, January 4, 2021
3. Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2021
4. Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2020

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

A bucket plan can help you be better prepared for a comfortable retirement.

The Pre-Retirement Checklist

The Pre-Retirement Checklist

This checklist can give you a quick snapshot of how prepared you are.

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Five overlooked tax deductions to help manage your tax bill.

Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts

Getting the instruments of your retirement to work in concert may go far in realizing the retirement you imagine.

Healthcare Costs in Retirement

Without a solid approach, health care expenses may add up quickly and potentially alter your spending.

View all articles

Comparing Mortgage Terms

Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.

Paying Off a Credit Card

Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.

Annuity Comparison

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

View all calculators

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

View all presentations

Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?

There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Saving for College 101

Here’s a crash course on saving for college.

View all videos