Bridging health coverage from early retirement to Medicare. Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.
- Health insurance between early retirement and 65
The main ways to bridge coverage before Medicare: COBRA, Marketplace plans with subsidies, a spouse's plan, retiree coverage and part-time work.
- Switching from a Marketplace plan to Medicare at 65
How to time the move from an ACA Marketplace plan to Medicare, why subsidies end, and how to cancel the Marketplace plan without a gap.
- Early retirement income planning and Medicare's IRMAA
Why income at 63 decides your Medicare premiums at 65, how Roth conversions and asset sales can trigger IRMAA, and how to appeal after retiring.