Retired But Too Young for Medicare? What Now?
There are plenty of people who retire before the age of 65, whether this was their choice or had retirement thrust upon them. Regardless of the circumstance, these people need health coverage. And since they are ‘retired’ they likely need low or lower cost coverage without sacrificing their quality of care. There are several options for those people according to Houston based neurologist and founder of the Houston Healthcare Initiative CO-OP, Dr. Steven Goldstein.
Fear of Loss
Employees fear losing their company subsidized health insurance and when accepting or choosing retirement, that benefit ceases along with the paycheck. According to Dr. Goldstein, it is a situation worth examining and planning for. “There are several alternatives for people who are not old enough for Medicare,” Dr. Goldstein said. “For one, they can choose an extension of their former employers’ insurance through what is known as COBRA.”
COBRA
COBRA stands for “Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. “It’s a law that since 1985, provides for continuing group health insurance coverage for employees and family members after what they call ‘job loss’,” Dr. Goldstein said. “But, it only applies at companies with more than 20 employees and to state and local government workers. It does not apply to federal workers, churches, or some church related organizations. What’s more this is a short-term fix because there is an 18-month limit on this option. So for someone who is 60 this will get them to 61.5. But there are those other 3.5 years remaining.” COBRA is also a costly choice. Those choosing it can expect to pay up to 102% of the premiums including the part your employer used to pay.
Affordable Care Act
Options for the Affordable Care Act or Obama-Care are available on line. While the politics of healthcare mean that future choices may be different or even non-existent, but at the moment the law remains in place. “Here in Texas, everyone is required to have health insurance, but they are not required to purchase it through the government,” Dr. Goldstein said. “There is no longer the threat of a fine from the federal government for not having health insurance but going without is never a good idea.”
Healthcare Co-Ops
People can and probably should consider one of the health sharing cooperatives. There are several from which to choose, not the least of them the Houston Healthcare Initiative CO-OP. But according to Dr. Goldstein, there is more to the Houston Healthcare Initiative CO-OPthan inexpensive health coverage. “Our first priority is to improve our members health first and help pay for ‘sick care’ second,” Dr Goldstein stated. “As people work with us to manage their own health, the cost goes down. When they do get sick, we can provide lists of places to get the best prices on prescription medicine, tests, imaging and hospitalization. But, and I want to really stress this, our approach to managing the cost of healthcare is to find ways to be sick less often. We help people manage their weight, level of fitness and other choices they can consciously make to be healthier. So, if you want to save money on healthcare, find ways to be sick less often.”
To find ways to be sick less often and save on health coverage, then look to the Houston Healthcare Initiative CO-OP and visit the web site at www.houstonhealthcareinitiative.org.