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Retiring before Medicare? Plan the bridge.

Plan the bridge to Medicare, including coverage for a younger spouse.

Find out what ends when you retire

Confirm your employer coverage end date and whether retiree coverage, COBRA, or a spouse’s plan is available. Losing job-based insurance at retirement may allow Marketplace enrollment outside the regular enrollment season.

Account for retirement income

Marketplace savings depend on household income and circumstances. Retirement account withdrawals and other income may affect the application. Have your tax professional help you estimate income when you are unsure; do not choose withdrawals based only on an insurance estimate.

Plan each person’s transition separately

One spouse moving to Medicare does not put the other spouse on Medicare. Review the remaining household coverage and update the Marketplace application when someone transitions. Confirm effective dates before ending existing insurance.

Bring these questions

  • When will each person become eligible for Medicare?
  • What income should the household report?
  • Does retiree or spouse coverage affect our Marketplace options?
HealthCare.gov: official guidance for this situation

Source checked September 12, 2026. Eligibility and available plans depend on your circumstances and location.

Health Plan Assistants is a DBA of Medicare Assistant LLC, a licensed health insurance agency. The purpose of this site is the solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Health Plan Assistants is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We offer plans from a number of insurance companies. Plan availability and licensed insurance agent services vary by location.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.