Shop for individual or family coverage. As many baby boomers pass age 50 and opt for early retirement, more insurers are meeting the increased demand by offering medical coverage to the pre-Medicare set. Websites such as eHealthInsurance.com make it easier for you to see what’s available and find the best deal.
For example, a 55-year-old man in Atlanta can choose among 12 plans, with quotes from six different companies. Rates range from $175 a month, for a plan with a steep $10,000 deductible, to $527 a month, for a plan that pays benefits after you’ve spent $1,500 and caps your expenses at $3,000 per year.
“There’s a vibrant health insurance market for individual and family coverage, with a great deal of competition,” says Sam Gibbs, senior vice president of sales at eHealth Inc., in Mountain View, California. “By using the Internet, you can decide which benefit level you want and save money by choosing a plan tailored to your needs.”