Fidelity also surveyed 376 married individuals, 65 years or older and not working full-time, to better understand their experiences in financing health care needs in retirement. This effort revealed that almost half (47%) are paying more each month for insurance premiums and out-of-pocket health care costs than they had anticipated in retirement. Only three out of 10 of these retirees saved specifically for health care needs in retirement during their working years.
The nationwide study found that health care costs average $535 a month, or about one-fifth of an average couple’s total monthly expenses of $2,842. Among those surveyed, 11 percent said their health care costs are $1,000 a month or higher. Average health care costs ranked second to the largest expense, food, which averaged $659 a month and slightly higher than housing-related costs, which averaged $494.
“It’s crucial that workers begin to incorporate future medical expenses into today’s retirement plans,” said Brad Kimler, executive vice president of Fidelity’s Consulting Services business. “In the past, retirees relied on their former employers to provide health care coverage, but this is no longer something to which most of today’s retirees have access.”
Current and Future Health Care Costs Biggest Financial Concern for Many
When asked to identify their single biggest financial concern today, three out of 10 retirees said paying for today’s health care costs and long-term health care expenses such as a nursing home are among their biggest worries. Other financial concerns included paying for daily living expenses such as food, transportation and utilities (17%), assisting grown children and grandchildren with their financial needs (10%) and paying for housing (7%). A little more than a third (35%) of retirees said they have no financial worries.
Half of Retirees Use Own Cash for Health Care Costs Not Covered By Medicare
According to the study, over half (51%) are paying out-of-pocket for health care costs not covered by Medicare and four out of 10 (45%) have bought supplemental insurance to cover the gap. Only a small percentage of retirees indicated using other measures, such as tapping retirement funds earlier than anticipated (2%), credit cards (2%) or relying on family (1%). However, more than four in 10 of those surveyed (44%) said health care expenses have had a negative effect on their retirement budget.
2010 Retiree Health Care Costs Estimate Up 56% Since Introduction in 2002
The Fidelity 2010 retiree health care costs estimate is 4.2 percent higher than last year’s estimate of $240,000 and 56 percent higher than in 2002, when Fidelity first calculated retiree health care costs at $160,000.
The survey assumes individuals do not have employer-provided retiree health care coverage, but do qualify for the federal government’s insurance program Medicare. The Fidelity estimate takes into account cost sharing provisions (such as deductibles and coinsurance) associated with Medicare Part A and Part B (inpatient and outpatient medical insurance). It also considers Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) premiums and out-of-pocket costs, as well as certain services excluded by Medicare. The estimate does not include other health-related expenses, such as over-the-counter medications, most dental services and long-term care.
The significant jump in the retiree health care cost estimate from 2002 to 2010 can be attributed to a number of factors including higher costs (e.g., for doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests); increased expenses associated with new technology; and general price inflation.
