The days of having to get up early for work are slowly coming to an end. Thinking about settling down in a few years and accepting the fact you are close to 65 years old. This may be a good time to begin thinking about retirement. After 40 years of working hard, you deserve a little rest and relaxation. Hopefully, you saved up some money and can afford a nice house by the beach where you can begin focusing on the things that you did not have time for and dreamed of doing once you retired.
With Senior Health Care, Timing is Everything
Ten years ago, the economy did not have an effect on people the way it does today. Unfortunately, people thinking about retirement are barely hanging on to their jobs due to a high unemployment rate and recession. The most difficult aspect for some is getting laid off before turning 65 years old and having to determine whether to go with COBRA or an alternative.
The Economic Stimulus Plan and COBRA
Many workers are losing their jobs these days and their health insurance goes with it. If you have health insurance through your company, it is usually cheaper to continue your coverage through COBRA while you look for work. You have the option of continuing your coverage for 18 months which can be costly considering you are paying the premiums that your employer used to pay for you as well as your own share from the group plan. This may cost well over $1,000 per month and considering the fact that you were planning on retiring in a few years and are looking for a job, this could destroy some of your retirement dreams.
The stimulus package proposes to address this issue by picking up 65% of the total cost of premiums accrued over the first nine month period. This gives you 9 months to find a job and still have the health coverage that you deserve while you are out looking for a new job. If you lost your job after September 1st and did not attain COBRA coverage, you will have 60 days to apply. The stimulus package was implemented in order to avoid some of the negative aspects of people that are close to retirement getting laid off and looking for work.
Alternatives to COBRA for Retiring Seniors
When you lose your job, the last thing you want to add to your stress is another expense for health insurance. Some people choose to avoid the cost completely and be extra cautious while out looking for a new career. This can be extremely risky considering you are out and about looking for a new job. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are driving more or taking public transportation.
As a senior you may also be susceptible to all sorts of new bacteria and disease in your day-to-day environment. On top of it all, you are close to retirement and any health conditions you may have can make it difficult to get approved by insurance companies that do not accept preexisting health conditions. If your senior health insurance plan does accept preexisting conditions, chances are the premiums will be much higher than COBRA.
Have a Job? Keep Truckin’
If you currently have a job during these tough economic times, appreciate it and enjoy the benefits that come with it. If you are close to retirement, don’t put your feet up on your desk just yet, and if you just lost your job, keep truckin’ and something will come your way.
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Tags: age 65, COBRA, laid off, Retirement, senior health, senior insurance, unemployed
This is a bit off topic, which I apologize for, but would you and your readers mind giving your thoughts about the recent oil disaster, you’re opinion seriously helps and I can’t thank you enough for taking a few seconds to give it. I left the URL in the appropriate field, thank you!
I worked for a company called “Airborne Express” which was an express package delivery company. ABE was bought out by DHL. Prior to leaving ABE in 2004 I was able to work long enough to become “vested” with the company. My understanding is that I should be able to draw an annuity through COBRA at some age after 60. Do I have the right COBRA insurance? Can you give a number to a representative that I can speak with regarding this issue??
thanks
Jim Himic