Health insurance after retirement

[Babalu]

I'm hoping to be able to retire from work in about 10 years at age 58.  If the economy rebounds I should be able to swing it financially, but I really don't know what kind of options I'll have when it comes to health insurance.

I'm guessing I won't be able to get private health insurance at a reasonable rate since I'm HIV+.  What kind of options do I have?

[randym431]

OPtions? Canada... France...

All kidding aside, try to get on disability first.
Once you retire, its most impossible to get on disability.
SS disability will cover you (from what I hear).

[mecch]

how can you get on disaility if you are working.  interesting

[Inchlingblue]

Are you sure  you can't work until you are 65 so Medicare can kick in?

Another option is, if you have had uninterrupted coverage, you would probably be eligible for a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) policy. You cannot be turned down based on pre-existing conditions, and the cost is based on one's age and the area in which you live.

It's possible that health care reform will happen this year so there may be other options depending on how that plays out.

For more information you can browse the Q&A's or ask your own question about Workplace and Insurance issues on thebody.com, LINK below:

http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/index.html

[Babalu]

Thanks for the replies. 

I could keep working until I'm 65, but I was hoping to retire while I'm young enough to enjoy it.

I'll have to look into HIPAA.  I've worked for the same company for 16 years and have been covered continuously, so that may be an option.

Let's hope for some real healthcare reform this year.  I'm sure the President's intentions are good, but I imagine that by the time anything gets signed into law it will be so watered down that it won't mean any real change.

[Inchlingblue]

I'll have to look into HIPAA.  I've worked for the same company for 16 years and have been covered continuously, so that may be an option.

It's good to plan ahead and know your options. I'm not sure if HIPAA applies if one quits, it might but maybe you have to be "let go," so if that is the case you can always arrange it ahead of time and be "let go." Also if you are retiring early they might agree to help pay for the premiums until Medicare kicks in.