Bridging the Medicare Gap: Affordable Health Insurance Strategies for Early Retirees in 2026

Retiring in 2026 could mean thousands more in Medicare premiums—unless you know the right strategy.

Smart income planning can help early retirees bridge the Medicare gap and save thousands on health insurance. Pixelbliss/Shutterstock

Retiring before age 65 creates a “Medicare Gap,” where you must fund your own health insurance.

In 2026, the best strategy is to manage your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to stay below 400 percent of the federal poverty level (about $62,600 for individuals).