If you plan to retire before you are eligible for Medicare, you have several options to explore for health insurance coverage. Jennie Nickles, Sanford Health Plan’s director of sales and retention, answers commonly asked questions to help you understand your options for a smooth transition into early retirement.

Q: Can I get Medicare benefits if I retire early?

A: If you retire early, you likely won’t be eligible for Medicare right away. This means you’ll need to find an alternative health insurance plan to bridge the gap until you are eligible. Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65 unless they have a qualifying disability or medical condition.

Q: Could I continue my coverage with my employer after I retire?

A: Whether or not you’re able to keep your employee coverage can depend on a variety of factors, so it’s important to have a conversation with your employer. If you’d like to continue coverage with an employer-sponsored plan, ask about premium costs, coverage details and if there would be other benefit changes.

Q: What are other health insurance options?

A: Consider these options for coverage, depending on your unique situation:

Insurance from a spouse: If your spouse is still working, you may be able to join their health insurance plan.

Marketplace plans: Consider purchasing health coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Compare plans and get a price estimate using our online shopping tool.

COBRA: Through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), you may be able to temporarily continue the same group coverage you had through your employer, but instead of sharing the cost, you may have to pay the full monthly amount. Learn more about COBRA.

Q: What steps should I take six months before retiring?

A: To ensure a smooth transition into early retirement, review all available health insurance options and the costs and benefits of each plan. For expert assistance with finding the best plan for your health care needs, lifestyle and budget, consider partnering with a local insurance agent.

To work with a Sanford Health Plan agent, call (888) 535-4831(TTY: 711). If you’re ready to learn more about individual health insurance plans, download our buyer’s guide.

As you approach Medicare enrollment, our team is ready to assist you. Our Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are designed to care for the whole you with Medicare Parts A and B, prescription coverage and extra benefits in one complete plan. Learn more about our MA plans or call us at (888) 605-9277 (TTY: 711).

Sanford Health Plan and Sanford Health Plan of Minnesota have HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Sanford Health Plan D-SNPs have contracts with state Medicaid programs. Sanford Health Plan complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or any other classification protected under the law. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next.

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