About Fidelity’s Early Retiree Research Unless otherwise noted, data represents insights from Fidelity Investments’ survey on Bridging the Gap to Medicare. The online survey was conducted among a random sample of 1,003 adults between the ages of 50 and 64 who had retired in the past three years. The survey was fielded in November 2017 by Greenwald and Associates Inc., an independent third-party research firm. The results of this survey may not be representative of all adults meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study.
1. Fidelity estimates a hypothetical couple retiring in 2017, at 65 years old, with life expectancies that align with Society of Actuaries' RP-2014 Healthy Annuitant rates with Mortality Improvements Scale MP-2016 to have $275,000 in total household health care costs throughout retirement. Estimates are calculated for "average" retirees, but may be more or less depending on actual health status, area of residence, and longevity. Estimate is net of taxes. The Fidelity Retiree Health Care Costs Estimate assumes individuals do not have employer-provided retiree health care coverage but do qualify for the federal government's insurance program, Original Medicare. The calculation 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 Original Medicare. The estimate does not include other health-related expenses, such as over-the-counter medications, most dental services, and long-term care. Life expectancies based on research and analysis by Fidelity Investments Benefits Consulting group and data from the Society of Actuaries, 2014.
2. According to The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation 2017 Employer Health Benefits Survey, in 2017, 25% of large firms that offer health benefits to their workers offer retiree coverage, similar to recent years. However, there has been a downward trend in the percentage of firms offering retirees coverage, from 32% in 2007 and 40% in 1999. Among large firms offering retiree health benefits, most firms offer to early retirees under the age of 65 (95%). A lower percentage (66%) of large firms offering retiree health benefits offer to Medicare-age retirees. These percentages are similar to those in recent years. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/report/2017-employer-health-benefits-survey/
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