Should I take COBRA first, then ACA?

Often yes. COBRA keeps your doctors short-term, then ACA saves money long-term. We help you time the switch.

Income management for ACA subsidies — how does it work?

Subsidies follow your taxable income. Drawing from Roth accounts or deferring a pension can lower it and raise your subsidy.

What happens when I turn 65 and Medicare begins?

Medicare begins the month you turn 65. We help you switch cleanly, with no gaps and no overlap.

My spouse is younger than 65 — can they continue on my plan?

No. Medicare covers one person. We plan a separate ACA or COBRA plan for your younger spouse in advance.

HSA contributions in early retirement?

Yes, with an HSA-eligible plan you can keep contributing tax-free until Medicare begins at 65.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

You are fully covered. ACA plans cannot deny you or charge more for any pre-existing condition.

Long-term care planning alongside health coverage?

The bridge years are the best time to consider long-term care coverage. We can introduce the topic in your consultation.

A COVERAGE GUIDE FOR THE BRIDGE YEARS

Health coverage for the years between work and Medicare.

A clear plan for adults 50–64. Free advice. No pressure.

We help you choose the right plan before Medicare begins at 65. We don't sell insurance. We help you understand it.

Begin Your Bridge Plan →

READERSHIP

Who we serve.

I.

EARLY RETIREES

You left work before 65 and need coverage that fits your new income.

II.

DOWNSIZED PROFESSIONALS

Your job ended. We help you choose between COBRA and ACA — fast.

III.

PRE-MEDICARE PLANNERS

You're approaching 65. We bridge the final years cleanly into Medicare.

FROM THE EDITORIAL DESK

An overhead view of a writing desk with an open notebook, fountain pen, reading glasses, coffee, and a folded newspaper in warm morning light — The editorial desk — where the bridge-year decisions are quietly worked out.

“The years from 55 to 65 are the most expensive decade for health coverage — and the easiest to get wrong.”

A COMPARISON

Plan types, compared.

Four ways to bridge the gap to Medicare.

I.

ACA Marketplace Plans

with subsidies

Best for: Income below ~$60K single / $80K joint
Cost: $0–$400/mo after subsidy
Network: Regional, varies by carrier
Pre-existing: Fully covered, no exclusions

II.

COBRA Continuation

timing strategy

Best for: Mid-year transitions, met deductible
Cost: Full employer premium + 2%
Network: Same as prior employer plan
Duration: Up to 18 months

III.

HSA-Compatible HDHP

tax strategy

Best for: Healthy retirees with savings
Cost: Lower premium, higher deductible
Network: Marketplace HDHP networks
HSA contributions: $4,300 single / $8,550 family

IV.

Catastrophic Plans

hardship exception

Best for: Under 30 or hardship exemption
Cost: Lowest premiums available
Network: Limited
Note: Rare fit for the 50–64 bracket

A mature couple walking a quiet autumn forest trail in golden hour light

A walk in the bridge years — autumn, deliberate, unhurried.

THE SUBSIDY QUESTION

Your income decides your subsidy.

Small changes in how you draw retirement income can mean a much bigger subsidy. Three common moves:

·Draw first from Roth accounts.
·Defer pensions when possible.
·Time capital gains for low-income years.

READER ACCOUNTS

Three bridge plans.

Black retired teacher in her late fifties at her kitchen table reviewing insurance paperwork

“My COBRA quote was $1,200 a month. Bridge Year found me the same hospital network on a Marketplace plan for under $200.”

— Margaret S., 58, Recently retired teacher · Pittsburgh, PA

Hispanic man in his early sixties standing in a sunlit Arizona garden

“After my layoff, my advisor explained COBRA and ACA in plain English. We built a two-year plan all the way to Medicare.”

— Hector R., 62, Downsized engineer · Phoenix, AZ

White widowed woman in her early sixties at her home desk reviewing options on a laptop

“When my husband passed, his plan ended too. Bridge Year handled the timeline calmly and found coverage I could afford.”

— Diane T., 60, Recently widowed nurse · Charlotte, NC

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Begin your bridge plan.

A licensed advisor will call within one business day. Free, no obligation.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Questions readers have asked.

Yes. Subsidies are based on your income, not your age. Most early retirees qualify. A free consultation can confirm your numbers.

FROM THE ARCHIVE