Key takeaways

  • Medicare ≠ long-term care coverage. Most custodial and extended care costs fall entirely on clients.
  • Expenses rise when income flexibility declines. Health care costs typically accelerate later in retirement.
  • Longevity increases exposure. Longer lifespans expand the window for high-impact care events.
  • Integrated planning protects income. Addressing LTC alongside retirement income planning improves resilience.

Why planning for health care costs matters

  • Many clients overestimate Medicare’s role in covering long-term care
  • Coverage gaps combined with rising costs can threaten retirement income at the exact moment choices narrow
  • Proactive planning helps preserve flexibility, confidence and long-term income sustainability

Health care cost topics to explore

If clients are unclear about Medicare

Help them understand coverage limits and common misconceptions

If health care costs feel unpredictable

Devise strategies for handling rising medical expenses in retirement

If protecting income is the priority

Consider approaches to managing longevity and care-related risks

Final steps

Identify out-of-pocket costs

Plan for what Medicare won’t cover

Access retirement planning resources and support