Retiree Health Costs $225,000
A 65-year-old couple retiring in 2008 will need approximately $225,000 to cover medical expenses in retirement, according to Fidelity Investments' most recent health care cost estimate. The estimate assumes individuals do not have employer-sponsored retiree coverage and includes expenses associated with Medicare Part B and D premiums (30% of the total), Medicare cost-sharing provisions (39% of the total), and prescription drug out-of-pocket costs (31%). It does not include other health-related expenses, such as over-the-counter medications, most dental services, and long-term care. Since the retirement health care expense estimate was first calculated in 2002, it has risen a total of 41%.