What is this?
What is this?
As you approach retirement, your insurance needs begin to change. Employer-sponsored coverage may be ending, and Medicare may not yet be active—or it may not cover everything. Prairie Ridge Solutions helps retirees and pre-retirees find affordable, reliable coverage options that fill the gaps.
These include:
- Health Insurance: Coverage for medical care, doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive services.
- Dental Insurance: Coverage for routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, and major dental work.
- Vision Insurance: Coverage for eye exams, glasses, contacts, and sometimes vision correction procedures.
How It Works?
Prairie Ridge Solutions reviews your situation and guides you through coverage options depending on your age, retirement timeline, and health needs:
If you're retiring before age 65
You're not eligible for Medicare yet, so you may need:
At age 65 and beyond
Medicare becomes primary.
You may choose:
- Marketplace ACA health plans (subsidy-eligible depending on income)
- Private health insurance
- Short-term medical coverage (temporary option)
- Dental & Vision standalone plans
- Medicare Advantage (bundled health; vision & dental often included)
- Medicare Supplement + standalone Dental & Vision plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Who is it for?
Health, dental, and vision coverage is especially important for:
At age 65 and beyond
Medicare becomes primary.
You may choose:
People retiring soon (ages 60-67)Transitioning from employer insurance into Medicare or private plans. Early retirees under 65 Need health coverage until Medicare eligibility begins.People already 65+ Wanting stronger dental and vision benefits than Original Medicare provides.Anyone wanting predictable health costs in retirement Coverage reduces surprise medical bills and protects retirement income.
- Medicare Advantage (bundled health; vision & dental often included)
- Medicare Supplement + standalone Dental & Vision plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
What are the Benefits?
Planning for Coverage Before Medicare?
What is this?
These are insurance plans designed for anyone younger than 65 who needs affordable, comprehensive coverage outside of Medicare.
Health Insurance (Under 65)
Covers doctor visits, hospital care, urgent care, prescriptions, lab work, ER visits, and preventive care.
Dental Insurance
Covers routine cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns, dentures, and major dental work.
Vision Insurance
Covers eye exams, glasses, contacts, and discounts on vision correction procedures.
How It Works?
There are several ways to get coverage before Medicare:
Option 1: Marketplace (ACA) Plans
Option 2: Private Health Plans
Option 3: Short-Term Medical Plans
Dental & Vision
- Available through Healthcare.gov
- No health questions
- Preexisting conditions covered
- Subsidies available based on income
- Good long-term coverage for early retirees and families
- Temporary coverage (30 days to 36 months, depending on state)
- Lower premiums
- Good for people between jobs or waiting for employer coverage
- Not ideal for major preexisting health issues
- Can be added to any health plan or purchased separately
- Low premium, high value
- No waiting periods on many plans
- Great for retirees or families who want predictable costs
Who is it for?
This coverage is valuable for:
-
People retiring early (ages 60-64) Need insurance until Medicare starts. -
Anyone losing employer coverage Layoff, job change, or no longer eligible for benefits. -
Self-employed individuals Need affordable, tax-advantaged insurance options. -
People between jobs Short-term or marketplace plans can bridge the gap. -
Families needing more affordable coverage Many ACA plans offer strong subsidies for parents and children.