Why We Chose a Bronze ACA Health Insurance Plan for 2027

Retiring before age 65 means figuring out one of the biggest challenges of early retirement: healthcare.

When my wife and I retired at 56, we knew healthcare would be a significant expense. What we didn’t anticipate was my heart diagnosis just six months into retirement.

Over our first three years of retirement, we’ve spent more than $62,000 on healthcare, including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses. Along the way, we’ve navigated COBRA, ACA Gold and Bronze plans, HMOs, PPOs, and the complexities of managing our income to qualify for ACA premium tax credits.

For 2027, we’ve made another change.

We’re moving to a Bronze HMO plan with a monthly premium of approximately $208 after ACA premium tax credits.

Why Bronze instead of Silver or Gold? Especially considering my medical history?

In my latest video, I walk through our actual healthcare expenses since retiring, compare the insurance options we considered for 2027, and explain why the Bronze plan made the most financial sense for us.

I also share how we’re using our Health Savings Account (HSA) as part of our early-retirement strategy, including the potential tax advantages and how HSA contributions can help manage Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that the lowest premium doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest total healthcare cost. It’s important to consider deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, prescription coverage, provider networks, and your own healthcare needs.

Our choice won’t necessarily be the best choice for everyone. But I hope sharing our actual numbers and decision-making process helps others who are planning for retirement before Medicare.

Watch the video below to see what we’ve paid, what we chose for 2027, and why.

This is our personal experience, not individualized financial, tax, or insurance advice.