Health Insurance Before Medicare

ACA Marketplace Plans

Comprehensive coverage — subsidy-eligible

ACA plans cover all essential health benefits and cannot deny you based on pre-existing conditions. If your income is between 100–400% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify for a premium tax credit that can significantly reduce your monthly cost.

Short-Term Health Insurance

Flexibility between gaps in coverage

Short-term plans are not ACA-compliant and do not cover all essential health benefits — but they can provide meaningful coverage during a defined gap. Michigan allows short-term plans for up to 12 months. These plans typically cost less than ACA plans but have more limited coverage and exclusions.

Turning 65 — Bridge to Medicare

Strategic coverage for the transition year

If you were married for at least 10 years and are currently unmarried, you may claim up to 50% of your ex-spouse's benefit — without affecting their benefit at all.

Important

Income management matters for ACA subsidies

If you have flexibility in when you take IRA distributions, Roth conversions, or other income, the amount you show on your tax return directly affects your ACA subsidy. This is one reason Janine coordinates under-65 health coverage with your broader retirement income plan.

Janine's Role

Independent broker — no carrier bias

Janine works with all major carriers in Michigan and is compensated by the carrier — not by you. Her incentive is finding the right plan, not the highest-premium plan. She compares options and explains the tradeoffs before you decide anything.