What happens to my health insurance if I retire early before 65?

You lose employer coverage and need a bridge until Medicare starts at 65, and this gap is one of the biggest hurdles in early retirement. The main options are an ACA marketplace plan, COBRA from your former employer (usually up to 18 months), or coverage through a spouse's plan. The marketplace is often the long-term answer, and here's the strategic part: premium subsidies are based on your taxable income, which early retirees can largely control. By living partly off cash and taxable brokerage funds and keeping reported income (including Roth conversions and capital gains) in a target range, you can qualify for substantial subsidies that slash premiums. Budget realistically — unsubsidized family coverage can cost $20,000+ a year — and weave health costs into your withdrawal strategy. Test whether your plan absorbs this at wealthserene.com/assessments/financial-resilience.