This year, the average retiring couple should expect $220,000 in health care costs during their retirement. This is according to a new estimate from Fidelity Investments. Among people who have not yet retired, but who are older than 55, only a fraction were able to accurately estimate health care expenses, the survey said. More specifically, almost 60 percent of those surveyed said they expect to spend less than $50,000. Fidelity’s estimate accounts for Medicare, out-of-pocket expenses, and co-pays, but excludes the potential costs of nursing homes. These financial estimates peaked in 2010, but have since dropped as a result of increased prescription coverage and reduced consumption of health care, according to the Fidelity Investments survey. Fidelity indicated that retiring before 65 would add another $17,000 a year to a typical couple’s health care costs. Working beyond 65 could save couples $10,000 per year.
