AARP Article: 08/26/2026 - 10 Often-Underestimated Expenses in Retirement
AARP Article 08/26/2026 - 10 Often-Underestimated Expenses in Retirement
I am specifically going to point to the 1. Health care and wellness costs in this article. From the link: [QUOTE]
‘Of all the spending categories in retirement, this one, over time, will likely be the big tamale. A healthy 65-year-old man retiring in 2026 with original Medicare and a Medigap plan is projected to spend $297,000 on health care and medical treatment through the rest of his life, according to the 2026 Milliman Retiree health cost index. A healthy 65-year-old woman retiring in 2026 is projected to spend $340,000 for health care over the course of her life.
If you’re in reasonably good health, these costs typically will be relatively low when you retire but can add up quickly as you age into your 80s and beyond . . . .
Health care costs continue to rise — up 2.9 percent for the 12 months ending June 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).. . . . . that trend is likely to continue.’
end [QUOTE]
This is just your out of pocket cost including premiums / deductibles and copays for your medical expenses. Definitely read the embedded link to the 2026 Milliman Retiree Health Cost Index - it breaks it down by your choice of Medicare plans - Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D plan vs Medicare Advantage Plan with included Prescription Drug Coverage.
HAVE YOU PREPARED ? Most probably haven’t and many will come up short and some have ZERO - and for those we pay for out of other taxes we pay -
What can we do as retirees? Use your health care benefits wisely because usage plays a part in the rise of cost and premiums.