When to apply for ACA- ER and relocation

[Irishgirlyc58]

Yes, in theory, but.... there have been multiple reports on this and other forums of exchange websites that are less than friendly when giving the guidance about what you have entered qualifying you for Medicaid. Several people have reported that their account became sent over to Medicaid and they had to jump through hoops to have Medicaid clear out some records before they could successfully return to the exchange to change the numbers so they could "get back into" the ACA plans to sign up for one. Not all exchanges are created functionally equal.

Oh, I have no doubt that this happens!
It shouldn’t but it does.

 

[Floralscent]

Hello! I am the OP. Thanks for all the chat on my question. I have learned so much from you all. It's interesting that local agents do in fact earn commissions when signing one up for ACA and may guide one to a specific plan due to a higher earning potential for them. Everywhere I have read said there is no incentive for an agent to guide one in a specific direction- but as mentioned in this thread, that was incorrect. It's so sad/terrible that some agents operate to better themselves instead of doing their job, which is to help the customer. So unfortunate.

Since Medicaid coverage is not something we are interested in, I guess the only choice is to move $$ around to qualify for ACA coverage but then again...what about 2026 and the possible return of the cliff?

I am getting anxious about the cliff returning in 2026. We are still employed right now and really considering ER in late '25 or early '26 but if that cliff returns, that will change everything. It's so disappointing that US healthcare premiums and costs are so high AND it seems these days that Drs really don't care about the patient or if they even feel better- my experience is they are very hands off and follow up is not a thing.

I feel so lucky to live in this great country and we have both have worked so hard over the years and saved so we can retire early. To think that the one thing that holds us back from moving forward with ER is health ins is a tragedy. This literally keeps me awake at night and is soooo incredibly frustrating.

How has everone else just come to terms with it? Do people really pay incredibly high premiums and just deal with it?

 

[engineernerd]

There will still be subsidies for people with MAGI below 400% of the Federal poverty line, just somewhat reduced from what they are now. I'm not sure of the exact math. It's only those with MAGI at or above 400% of FPL that will have to pay the full premiums. Can you manage your MAGI in retirement to be above Medicaid eligibility (100% or 138% of FPL depending on whether your state has enhanced Medicaid or not) but well below 400% of FPL?

 

[RetiredHappy]

I have been paying unsubsized full price health insurance plan since the age of 54 and will do so for 11 years until Medicare. Just budget for it and "deal" with it. I have 3 more years of paying full price health insurance to go.

 

[engineernerd]

I have been paying unsubsized full price health insurance plan since the age of 54 and will do so for 11 years until Medicare. Just budget for it and "deal" with it. I have 3 more years of paying full price health insurance to go.

Me too. The premiums are growing each year at an alarming rate, so I'm glad the finish line is getting pretty close. It would be daunting to have to face a decade or more of this still ahead.

 

[Pluperfect]

Since Medicaid coverage is not something we are interested in, I guess the only choice is to move $$ around to qualify for ACA coverage

This is what started my inquiry into not being allowed to buy an ACA on the Exchange.

From what I can tell, there is no "qualifying" for ACA coverage--anybody can buy an ACA plan. Where "qualifying" comes into play is if a person wants a subsidy to reduce the amount of the premium for the ACA plan.

Me too. The premiums are growing each year at an alarming rate, so I'm glad the finish line is getting pretty close. It would be daunting to have to face a decade or more of this still ahead.

My boyfriend just crossed the $1,000/month mark. "Only" seven more years until Medicare.

 

[RetiredHappy]

My premium (age 62) this year was almost $1,400 per month for a Silver plan and I finally dropped to a Bronze plan and the premium dropped to $900 but I am responsible for alot of deductibles for specialists and lab work. I used to pay $25 per lab work (silver plan) and I just paid Quest Diagnostics for about $300 for my half yearly lab work (bronze plan). So far, going on Bronze plan has still saved me money. I will limp on for another 2.5 years before I get on Medicare, and I cannot wait to get old!

 

[frank05]

FYI, Medicare’s fund is predicted to run dry in 2033 for those complaining about ACA costs.

 

[Pluperfect]

FYI, Medicare’s fund is predicted to run dry in 2033 for those complaining about ACA costs.

It's actually just Part A of Medicare, which covers hospitalization. The funding is different for Part A and for Part B.

Here's AARP's summary of the situation:
aarp.org/medicare/trustees-report-2025.html

 

[engineernerd]

It's actually just Part A of Medicare, which covers hospitalization. The funding is different for Part A and for Part B.

Here's AARP's summary of the situation:
aarp.org/medicare/trustees-report-2025.html

Of course, it's hospital costs that have been run up to the craziest levels. I would not want to face hospital charges without good insurance. Especially since I actually have a nest egg the hospital could go after in court.

That is one advantage of employer-based retirement accounts like 401(K)s, apparently they are more judgment-proof than IRAs. Under current law, at any rate.

 

[perinova]

It's actually just Part A of Medicare, which covers hospitalization. The funding is different for Part A and for Part B.

Here's AARP's summary of the situation:
aarp.org/medicare/trustees-report-2025.html

If MA was designed to help the system financially, it looks like the opposite after all. I am not surprised.