Foundations of Healthcare and Medicare Planning for Retirement

Healthcare is one of the largest and most variable expenses in retirement. Medicare covers a great deal but leaves gaps that retirees must plan for. This foundational course explains how the system works and where the planning leverage is. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the parts of Medicare, distinguish original Medicare with supplemental coverage from Medicare Advantage, understand how prescription drug coverage works, and recognize the major decisions that shape long-term healthcare costs. What you will learn: - The structure of Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D - The differences between original Medicare with Medigap and Medicare Advantage - How prescription drug coverage works including formularies, coverage gaps, and catastrophic protection - How enrollment periods work and the consequences of missing them - How Medicare interacts with employer coverage, retiree benefits, COBRA, and Marketplace plans - How long-term care needs differ from medical needs and what Medicare does and does not cover - The role of health savings accounts and tax-advantaged strategies before and during retirement The course uses readings, system diagrams, and case examples. Each module ends with reflection prompts that you apply to your own situation. This course is written for adults approaching retirement and those already in early retirement. By the end you will have replaced confusion about Medicare with a clearer understanding of the system, and you will be ready to make enrollment and coverage decisions with information rather than guesswork.