Medicare Planning Before 65: The Pre-Retirement Healthcare Strategy That Saves $50,000+

Fidelity estimates the average 65-year-old couple needs $315,000 for healthcare costs in retirement. IRMAA surcharges can add $6,732/year per person for high earners, and late enrollment penalties compound 10% per year permanently. This guide covers Medicare Parts A/B/C/D, IRMAA income thresholds and the 2-year lookback, ACA bridge coverage for early retirees, HSA-to-Medicare transition strategy, Medigap vs Medicare Advantage analysis, Part D coverage gap, and enrollment windows.