EP 23 - How To Pay For Healthcare In Early Retirement - Washington DRS, TRS, PERS & SERS

One of the biggest challenges of early retirement is figuring out how to afford healthcare before Medicare kicks in at 65. Many Washington State employees hesitate to retire early due to high healthcare costs—but with the right strategies, you can retire earlier than you think!In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down realistic ways to cover healthcare costs, including:✅ Cobra vs. PEBB Benefits – Which one is right for you?✅ Health Insurance Options – Private plans, spouse coverage & state benefits✅ Paying for Healthcare – Using your pension, VEBAs & investments✅ Early Retirement & Full Benefits – When can you retire under PERS, TRS, & SERS?💡 Want to retire early with confidence? We help Washington State employees plan their pensions, reduce taxes, and retire smarter.👉 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more retirement planning content!00:00 – Intro & Why Healthcare Costs Delay Retirement01:12 – Listener Question: When Can I Retire with Full Benefits?02:04 – Spouse’s Insurance: The Cheapest Option?02:25 – Cobra Coverage: Pros & Cons04:00 – PEBB Benefits: Who Qualifies & How It Works07:17 – Plan 2 vs. Plan 3 Changes (2024 Update)08:21 – Washington Health Exchange & Private Plans09:15 – Tax Credits & Hidden Costs of Health Plans11:36 – Medicare at 65 – What You Need to Know12:50 – How to Pay for Healthcare Before Medicare13:39 – Part-Time Work & Employer Coverage14:35 – Using Your Retirement Portfolio to Cover Costs17:54 – VEBA Accounts – Tax-Free Healthcare Funding19:49 – Early Retirement Mistakes & Success Stories27:46 – Final Thoughts – Why You Can Retire Sooner Than You Think!Links:⁠⁠Free Washington Retirement Planning Community⁠⁠⁠Plan 3 Investment Advice⁠⁠Schedule Meeting⁠More free resources at ⁠WATRSPERS.com⁠