HEALTH INSURANCE BETWEEN RETIREMENT AND MEDICARE
We get many calls these days to the tune of…
“What’s the cheapest way to insure till Medicare starts?”
It’s a good question.
For one reason, health insurance is the most expensive when you’re in your 60’s.
Age 64 is literally the most expensive time to insure in a person’s life!
Medicare hasn’t started yet for most people.
Age 65 is the time Medicare starts for most people.
Many people retire prior to the turning 65 and being eligible for Medicare.
How do we address this gap?
Great question.
Let’s go through the three main options:
- Cobra coverage if available
- Covered California
- Short term health insurance
We’re happy to walk through any questions you have.
You can quote Covered Ca or short term here:
Let’s get started
Considerations On Insuring Till Medicare Starts
Here are some key concerns to look at till Medicare starts:
- Tax Credit eligibility based on Income
- Health care needs
- Doctor and facility preferences
Each of these has a role to play in our decision.
We’ll explain further.
Tax Credit With Covered Ca Till Medicare Starts
Here’s the deal.
Losing group coverage due to retirement is a qualified event that allows you to enroll in Covered California.
There can be really big tax credits in Covered Ca based on income.
If you expect to be in the range below for this year (next year’s tax filing):
You may be eligible for tax credits.
If this is the case, Covered Ca will likely be the best option for you.
You can jump to the Covered Ca enrollment right here.
Especially if you’re in your 60’s (waiting for Medicare to start).
Here’s the secret for pre-Medicare seniors with the tax credit.
Covered Ca’s Secret Weapon For Individuals In Their 60’S
It’s the perfect storm.
First, after helping 1000’s of people navigate the process, one trend stands out…
The older you are, the more tax credit you can be eligible for (all other things being equal).
Give us a 25 year old with $25K income and a 63 year old with $25K and it’s not unlikely to see the 63 year old get a lower monthly rate.
Despite the fact that the underlying plan might 2-3 times higher!
It’s the tax credit.
The tax credit is tied to cost and guess what the main driver of health insurance cost is….
Age!
You can quickly see what your tax credit might be here:
Make sure to enter your full household (even if everyone is not enrolling).
This includes everyone that files together on a 1040 tax form.
Also, use this year’s best estimate for income (roughly line 7 on the 1040 tax form).
It’s the fax filing you’ll do next April.
One note..standard Social Security will need to be added to this number for the tax credit calculation.
This bring us to the next great advantage people in their 60’s have with Covered Ca.
Income Advantage for Covered Ca
This period of time is traditionally when people’s incomes are lower than usual.
Most have retired after all!
This lower income amount is a huge advantage to qualifying for tax credits.
Again…make sure to add standard Social Security back in!
Covered Ca Plan Benefits Till Medicare
The tax credit is one piece of this equation…and it’s a big one.
It generally makes the decision of what to do.
The other is health status.
The Covered Ca plans and Cobra will more comprehensive coverage than Short term.
In general, both plans:
- Cover pre-existing conditions
- Offer comprehensive benefits including preventative, rx, office, and more
- Have no annual or lifetime cap
- Can be renewed month to month for a longer period of time
Short term doesn’t offer these protections.
That’s a major difference.
If we can qualify for a tax credit, Covered Ca’s probably a slam dunk.
If we don’t qualify for a tax credit but have extensive health care needs and/or need coverage for a longer period of time…
Covered Ca or Cobra probably make more sense.
If we don’t qualify for a tax credit, are in good health, and need the coverage for a relatively short period of time….short term coverage might work till Medicare starts.
It’s a little confusing.
No problem!
Our assistance with all three is 100% free to you and we’re happy to help.
You can call 800-320-6269 or email us at help@calhealth.net
There’s one more very important concern….Doctors!
Doctor Networks Until Medicare Begins
Here’s the deal…
The doctor networks with individual/family plans (such as Covered Ca) have shrunk by about 1/3rd since 2014.
It’s probably the biggest issue we face (aside from cost).
You can check our doctors through the “Provider Search” link under each plan when you run your on-exchange quote here:
If you don’t see your doctor, call their office and ask them what “Covered California plans do you participate with?”.
It’s common to see a doctor not show up in the provider search online but find out they are actually in-network.
If your doctors do not participate and you absolutely must stay with them, Cobra might be the best option (if you can afford it).
Cobra generally has the broader networks that we miss so much.
There are narrow network plans but if you used your prior group plan with your doctors, Cobra won’t affect that.
Cobra is basically continuation of the employer health plan.
You can use Cobra to keep your doctors till Medicare starts.
Of course, you have to compare this against the cost difference.
Cobra coverage can be really really expensive.
It also has a cap on the amount of time you use it for…usually 18 months.
Some people will have an 18 month Cal-cobra extension option.
You can check with your prior carrier or HR department to see if this is available to you.
So, those are the big three concerns.
Let’s try to re-frame it according to the three options till Medicare arrives.
Covered California Till Medicare
Main attributes of this option:
- May have tax credit (could be very big); Run quote here.
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Can renew month to month until Medicare starts
- More comprehensive coverage
- Doctor networks are smaller than Cobra
Cobra Until Medicare Starts
Main attributes
- Has full employer doctor networks
- More comprehensive coverage
- Generally very expensive
Short Term Health Between Retirement And Medicare
UPDATE: California banned all short term health insurance plans eff 9/1/2018.
In California we now only have AlieraCare health sharing InterimCare plans.
You can quote AlieraCare short term plans here.
Information below is for States that still have short term health carrier options.
Main attributes:
- Can be much less expensive if not eligible for tax credit; Run Quote here
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- More catastrophic coverage
- Month to month in 3 month blocks; must qualify/re-apply after 3 months
Health Insurance Options Between Retirement And Medicare Review
Lots of moving pieces.
Here’s how to find the best health insurance between retirement and Medicare:
- Run quote HERE to see if you get on-exchange tax credit
- Make sure your doctors are in Covered Ca network
- Run short term quote here if you don’t qualify for tax credit
- Go with Cobra if required doctors only participate in group network
That’s how we determine which insurance is the best approach after Retirement.
Many people opt for the short term because they can’t afford Cobra and it might only be months till Medicare starts.
In fact, we see people cancel their Covered Ca or Cobra coverage a few month’s prior to Medicare in order to save during that period.
That’s how expensive Cobra or un-subsidized Covered Ca can be!
Of course, we’re happy to help you with any questions.
Call us at 800-320-6269 or email us.
Our assistance is 100% free to you as Certified Covered Ca and Licensed California health agents.
You can run your health insurance quote between retiring and Medicare to view rates and plans side by side from the major carriers…Free.
Again, there is absolutely no cost to you for our services. Call 800-320-6269 Today!
Your Calhealth Advantage
Our online tools, free quotes and licensed agents are here to help you find a plan.

ON THE BLOG
Featured Articles
How Do I Set Up a Small Group Health Plan in California
How and When to Enroll in Medicare Supplements
California Individual Vision Insurance
California Health Reform Subsidy
California Health Insurance Resource List
California Health Insurance Rate Increases
California Health Insurance Office Copay
California Health Insurance Maternity and Individual
California Health Insurance Individual Versus Cobra
California Health Insurance Individual Underwriting
California Health Insurance Group Value Dental Vision
California Health Insurance Group Kaiser
California Health Insurance Definitions
California Health Insurance Coverage Rescission
California Health Insurance Continuing Education
California Health Care Rights
California Blue Shield Vital Shield
Best California Health Insurance Plan
Affordable California Health Insurance
Understand Senior California Health Insurance
Covered California for Small Business
Individual California Health Insurance If Declined
Individual California Health Insurance Application Questionnaire
Health Net California Application Center
GURU Which Plan Should I Go With
GURU Subsidy If Offered Group Coverage
Do HSA Funds Roll Over
Compare and Contrast Alieracare Health Sharing Plan Benefits
California Vision Insurance Group
California Individual Dental Insurance
California HSA Plans and Health Reform
California Health Insurance Simplified
California Health Insurance Hospital Plans
California Health Insurance College Plan
California Health Insurance Cancel Individual Group Insurance
California Health Exchange Platinum Plan
California Health Exchange and Non Exchange Plans
Bronze California Health Plan
Covered California Open Enrollment How To
Covered California Open Enrollment
Covered California Early Pre Enroll
Small Business Tax Credits Covered California
GURU What If I Miss Open Enrollment Period
Free Assistance Covered California Enrollment
Covered California Enrollment After Open Enrollment
Comparing Deductible and Out of Pocket
California PCIP Health Insurance
California Medi-cal
California Health Insurance Group How to Choose
Avoid Bad Health Insurance Plan
Anthem Blue Cross California Application Center
How to Quote United Health National Restaurant Association
Hold On to Grandfathered Health Plans
Health Insurance for Engineering Firms
GURU What Income Period Do They Look At
Carriers
California Health Subsidy Calculator
California Health Reform Penalty
California Health Insurance Group Guaranteed Issue
Are Health Care Sharing Ministry Plans Worth It
Travel Medical Insurance
Term Life Insurance in California
Health Reform Rebates California Health Insurance
GURU Do I Use Business or Personal Gross Income
Guide Continuation of Coverage
Federal Poverty Level and California Health Insurance
California Individual Family Delta Dental
California Health Insurance Exchange
California Health Insurance Discount Plans
California Health Insurance Coinsurance
California Health Insurance Agencies
California Family Health Insurance
Obamacare Health Insurance for Gig Economy
Complaints California Health Plan
California Health Insurance Copays
Anthem Blue Cross Covered California Plans Rates Networks
Short Term Health Insurance
Short Term Insurance
Kaiser Covered California Rates Plans
California Health Insurance Individual Split Policy
Blue Shield of California
HSA Versus PPO Health Plans California
GURU What Effective Date Can I Pick
California Individual Family VSP Vision
California HSA HRA Health Insurance
California Health Insurance Dental Networks
California Health Insurance Concept
Pros and Cons of Health Sharing Plans Like Alieracare
Health Sharing Plans for Short Term Health in California
Embedded Deductibles in California Health Plans
United Health Group Rates Save Employers
Sharp Health in Covered California Reviews Plans Rates
Senior Supplement Best Value
California Health Insurance Negotiated Rates
AlieraCare CarePlus Advantage Catastrophic Health Sharing Plan Review Quote Comparison
Kaiser Through Covered California
TrumpCare HSA and Obamacare Covered California
Guide High Risk Pools
Common Questions Pre-existing and Options
California Restaurant Association United Health Plan
California Health Insurance Payment Options
California Group Health Insurance Eligibility
Current Individual HSA Health Insurance Options
Critical Illness Insurance Review Rates Plans
California Special Enrollment Periods SEP
California Health Insurance Life Time Max
California Health Insurance Claims Processing
Understand Group California Health Insurance
Student Health Insurance California
GURU Whats Difference Between In Out Exchange Plans
Are Health Sharing Plan Payments Deductible
Small Business Penalty Paying Individual Plans
Small Business Penalty Paying Individual Plans
California Health Insurance Primary Care Physician
Moving to California Covered California
California Small Business
California Health Insurance Sick Rates Change
Aetna Leaves California Individual Health Market
Covered California Tax Penalty
What is Best Health Sharing Ministry Plan
United Health Insurance National Restaurant Association Employees
Pacificare of California
La Care Health Plan Review Rates Networks
Covered California Compare Bronze Silver Plans
California Medicare Supplement Center
Basic PPO Blue Cross California
Critical Illness Insurance California
California Small Group RAF
Health Net In Covered California Reviews Rates Plans
California Insurance and Alternative Health Care
What Is Health Sharing Ministry And Plan
Covered California Versus Short Term Health Insurance
California Health Emergency Urgent Care
Smart Sense Blue Cross California
Kaiser Short Term Health Insurance
California On Exchange Application Terms Conditions
Guide Group Health Insurance
Free Assistance Covered California Enrollment
By Major Insurance Company
Blue Shield California Plans Rates Reviews
California Health Insurance Group New Company
Covered California Tax Credit
Health Insurance by State
California Health Insurance Out of Network
Anthem Blue Cross Leaving California Market 2018
Losing Health Insurance After Divorce
Cobra
California Health Insurance Max Out Of Pocket
United Health versus Anthem Blue Cross California
Short Term Health Insurance Between Jobs
Cheap California Health Insurance
California Health Insurance Group Size
California Health Insurance Broker Agent
Anthem Blue Cross Covered California
California Health Insurance Group Premium Only Plan POP
California Health Insurance Deductibles
Alternative to Obamacare Health Insurance
Health Sharing Versus Covered California
Current Catastrophic Health Insurance Options
California Health Insurance Rates Based On
Covered California Open Enrollment Changes
California Health Carrier Comparison
Missed Health Insurance Open Enrollment Deadline
What are Medicare Excess Charges
How to Apply for Aliera Care Health Sharing Plans
Medicare Supplement versus Medicare Advantage Comparison
Major Medical California Insurance
Immediate Health Insurance In California
Individual Health Insurance Between States
How to Pay Covered California Premium
Already Pregnant California Health Insurance
Health Insurance for High Earners California
Obamacare Health Insurance Versus Health Sharing Comparison
California On Exchange Application
Is Western Health Advantage PPO or HMO
Health Insurance Between Retirement And Medicare
California Retirement Health Insurance Options
California Health Insurance Group 1099
California Health Insurance Blue Card
California Health Insurance Acupuncture
Are Health Sharing Plans Like Alieracare Tax Deductible
Guide California Health Doctor Network
Health Savings Account
GURU What If I Move To California
Blue Cross Blue Shield Short Term Health Insurance
Calcobra Extension
Oscar California Health Insurance Review Rates Plans
Losing Health Insurance at Age 26
California PPO POS Health Insurance
California Health Reform 400 Poverty Level
Covered California Login Issues
California Health Insurance High Deductible Plan
GURU Medi Cal for Children
California Health Pre Existing Condition
Obamacare Income Guidelines in California
How to Designate Covered California Agent
How to Quote AlieraCare for Short Term Coverage
California Health Insurance Full Time Student
Do Health Insurance Plans Cover CBD
Catastrophic Health Insurance California
California Health Insurance Out Of State Employees
Covered California Marketplace Tax Credit
Health Insurance For Larger Family Of 4 5 6 Or More
Common Questions Individual Contract
Can You Have HSA Account With Health Sharing Plans
Blue Cross Senior Smart Choice
GURU What If My Income Changes
California Health Insurance Carrier Comparison
Self Employed Health Insurance California
Health Insurance for 1-2-3 Months
How to Apply for Covered California
Kaiser Versus Western Health Advantage Comparison
California Health Insurance Chiropractic
Covered California Versus Cobra Comparison
California Los Angeles Medi Medi Anthem Mediblue Health Plan
How to Quote Aliera Care Health Sharing Rates
California Health Insurance Dependent Children
GURU Tax Filing Status and Covered California
California Health Insurance HMO Versus PPO
GURU Difference Between EPO And PPO
California Health Insurance Group Part Time
Comparing Covered California Plans
Covered California Self Employment Income
Health Net Versus Anthem Blue Cross Comparison
Common Questions Time to Process Application
GURU What Type Of Income
Kaiser Versus Sharp Health Plan Review Comparison
How To Pick Best Covered California Health Plan
Anthem Blue Cross Versus United Health Comparison
Kaiser Versus PPO
Aliera Care Health Sharing Plan Review Rates Plans
Health Care Sharing Ministry Comparison Review
Emergency Health Insurance California
Secular Non Religious Health Sharing Plan
Blue Shield California Versus United Health Comparison
Kaiser Versus Health Net Comparison Reviews
Health Net Versus Blue Shield California
Blue Shield Versus Anthem Blue Cross California
Blue Shield California Individual Rate Increase
Does A Company Have To Offer Health Insurance California
Kaiser Versus United Health Comparison Reviews
Kaiser Versus Anthem California
Blue Shield California Versus Kaiser Comparison Review
Blue Shield California Individual Rate Increase
Holiday
California Health Insurance Law
Blue Cross Smart Sense Individual
Blue Cross May Focal Renewal Group
Blue Cross Group Rates
Blue Cross California Individual Rate Increase
Blue Cross California Individual Rate Increase
Blue Cross Anthem Name Change
SCHIP Status
Immunizations
HSA Guideline Update
Blue Shield HIPAA Approach
Blue Cross Urgent Care Network
Blue Cross Small Group Rate Increase
Blue Cross Rate Increase Individual
Blue Cross Rate Increase Client
Blue Cross New Consumer Driven Plan
Blue Cross Healthy Living
Antibiotic Power
Holiday
California Mental Health Parity Bill
California Mental Health Parity
Blue Shield Rate Increase Individual
Blue Shield of California
Blue Cross Transfer To Colorado Nevada
Blue Cross Lawsuit
Blue Cross Billing Fee
Blue Shield New Individual Plans
Blue Cross Core 5000
Two Decades Of Helping Californians Find Affordable Health Insurance
Kaiser Versus Blue Shield Of California
See All Reviews on the Blog
See All Reviews on the Blog
- Over 500,000 Quotes
- 10’s of 1000’s Enrolled
- Guaranteed Best Rates
- Referenced for finding affordable
- California Health Inurance

20 years of experience in the California health insurance market has taught us one thing… Competent and experienced guidance is INVALUABLE
We are licensed Covered Ca agents with in-depth knowledge of their plans, process, and tax credits.
This website is owned and operated by Goodacre Insurance Services, which is solely responsible for its content. This site is not maintained by or associated with Covered California, and Covered California bears no responsibility for its content. The email address and phone numbers that appear throughout the site belong to Goodacre Insurance Services, and cannot be used to contact Covered California.