The Stealth Retirement Killer

Barron's Retirement

Read in browser Sponsored By: By Elizabeth O'Brien | Sunday, January 18 Healthcare costs can be a retirement killer, and that's particularly true if you stop working before age 65. Medicare isn't free and has some coverage gaps, but it still provides comprehensive coverage for a fairly reasonable price. Retire before that, and you might pay through the nose for COBRA from your prior job, or for a plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. ACA coverage has gotten a lot pricier this year, following the expiration of the enhanced premium subsidies that were put into place during the pandemic. In addition to making health insurance cheaper for nearly everyone, these extra subsidies removed the "cliff" that existed before, where people making more than 400% of the federal poverty level ($62,600 for a single person in 2026) weren't eligible for any government help paying their premiums. Consumers hardest hit by the subsidy falloff are older adults who make more than the cutoff. It's possible Congress will reach an agreement to restore the enhanced subsidies, at least for a period of time. Even so, it's important to plan for healthcare costs before retiring. CONTENT FROM: FINANCE ADVISORS Little-Known RMD Strategy Approved by the IRS Once RMDs begin, withdrawals can bump you into a higher tax bracket. Depending on your tax situation, there are IRS-approved moves that may limit the impact. That's why many affluent investors review their plans with tax-focused advisors. Connect with up to three vetted fiduciaries today. Start Tax-Aware Planning BARRON'S LATEST Obamacare Costs Are Soaring Beware the cheaper alternatives with skimpy covearge. This Could Save You a Ton on Medicare If You Lost Your Job or Retired Here's a way to avoid IRMAA income surcharges in certain instances. Stocks With Juicy Dividends Are Tempting One method for assessing dividend safety involves comparing a company's dividend yield to its bond yield. Our Roundtable Pros Offer 30 Stocks for 2026 DoorDash, LVMH, and Home Depot are just some of the stocks our panelists favor this year.  WHAT WE'RE READING Art Might Be the Cure for What Ails You Art, the forgotten "fifth pillar of health," can decrease stress, depression, and pain. RESOURCES Social Security Medicare Required Minimum Distribution calculator Getting Ready to Retire? Here's a Planning Guide for the 5 Years Before Your Last Day. Finra's Guide to Social Isolation and the Risk of Investment Fraud The SEC's Guide to Identity Theft, Data Breaches, and Your Investment Accounts Sign up for more newsletters You are currently subscribed as aymentanaze.news@blogger.com Contact us   |   Privacy Notice   |   Cookie Notice Not a subscriber? Subscribe to Barron's now Forward 4300 Route 1 North, South Brunswick, NJ 08852 ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Unsubscribe