Planning Retirement? GoHealth Provides Steps to Take When Considering Health Insurance Options

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Jun 18, 2011) - Before planning a retirement, individuals should examine their health insurance options to ensure they have the protection they need. For younger retirees the choices may not be clear cut, and those who aren't eligible for Medicare may be on the hook for getting coverage.

"Not all retirees are covered by Medicare or an employer plan but they can get insurance on the private market," said Mark Colwell, Manager of Consumer Marketing at GoHealthInsurance.com. "It's best for individuals to start looking into their health insurance choices at least a few months before retirement to make sure there is ample time to compare and apply for a plan if necessary."

GoHealth experts are advising consumers to take five steps when considering their retirement health insurance:

1. Check Medicare eligibility. Unless you have certain health conditions, you won't be able to receive Medicare benefits until the age of 65.

2. Find out if your employer provides retirement health benefits and contributes to monthly premiums.

3. If your employer doesn't provide retiree benefits, compare plans on the individual market and talk to a licensed agent prior to retiring. Getting approved for individual health insurance can take a few months and an agent will help you find the right plan.

4. Make sure there aren't gaps in health insurance coverage. When there is a gap between plans, retirees may be susceptible to a denial in coverage or higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.

5. Retirees that aren't eligible for group or individual insurance should look into high risk pools created by health care reform. Premiums in the high risk pools are equivalent to individual plans but there are certain requirements. For instance, a consumer must be uninsured for six months to be eligible for the plan.

Consumers thinking about retirement can view health insurance options and talk to a licensed agent by going to GoHealthInsurance.com.

About GoHealthInsurance

GoHealth.com is the most complete health insurance plan resource online and has helped more than 2 million Americans obtain coverage. Consumers use the GoHealth.com platform to research, compare, and purchase coverage from the nation's top insurance companies using online technology, by phone, and through a nationwide network of trusted advisors.