New messages from Aflac |
View Notifications opens a dialog
Close X dismisses the notification alert
Retirement can give you more freedom to rest, travel and spend time with loved ones, but it can also raise new questions about health insurance. After all, you may lose access to your employer-sponsored plan when you retire. Fortunately, there are many other health insurance options you can choose from. The best health insurance for seniors depends on your health care needs and budget. Below, we break down common health insurance options for seniors and explore how supplemental health insurance can offer added financial support.
Table of Contents
Medical insurance for seniors over 65 is coverage that helps pay for your health care in retirement. Many seniors use Medicare as their primary health insurance,2 though Medicaid, private insurance and supplemental insurance are also popular options.
If you retire before age 65, you may need to explore health insurance for early retirees until you become eligible for Medicare.
As you get older, your health care costs may rise as you may need more frequent care, screenings or treatment for new health concerns.1 Managing these costs without insurance coverage can be difficult.
By obtaining the right health insurance coverage for your needs and budget, you may be able to:
Once you're 65 or older, you have several health insurance options you can choose from. Some of the most common types of health insurance for senior citizens include:
Medicare is a government health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with qualifying disabilities or medical conditions.2 Medicare has several parts, and each one helps cover different types of care:3
Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. Some people add Part D for prescription drug coverage or choose Medicare Advantage for coverage through a private insurer.3
Private insurance can offer you another way to get health coverage in retirement. You may prefer a private plan if you don't yet qualify for Medicare or want benefits that Original Medicare may not offer, such as prescription drug, dental or vision coverage.
Medicaid is a public health insurance program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for medical care. Medicaid rules and benefits vary by state, so your coverage options may depend on where you live.4
Medicaid may cover some services Medicare doesn't fully cover, such as nursing home care and personal care expenses.4 Some seniors are "dual eligible," which means they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.4
While Medicaid offers some long-term care coverage, it may not be enough for your preferred level of care.
Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of services and support for chronic illnesses or disabilities, including assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing. Depending on the plan, your long-term care insurance may help cover care that you receive:
Don't wait until it's too late. Protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedWhen comparing your health insurance options, carefully consider the following factors:
Supplemental health insurance can help fill coverage gaps left by your primary health insurance plan. Aflac offers several supplemental insurance plans for seniors, including:
Aflac also offers several types of life insurance, including whole, term and final expense policies. The right life insurance policy can help support your loved ones financially after you pass away.
As a senior, the right health care coverage can help you get the care you need while living on a fixed income. You can choose from Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance and private insurance options.
However, your primary plan may still leave coverage gaps that expose you to expensive medical bills. That's where Aflac's supplemental insurance can offer added protection.
To learn more about our supplemental insurance for seniors 65 and older, chat with an Aflac agent and get a quote today.
Get Started
Looking to buy affordable health insurance? Learn what your options are and how to get the right affordable health insurance plan for you.
Health insurance deductibles can vary depending on the plan. Learn how they work and the differences between health insurance with high and low deductibles.
Looking to buy affordable health insurance? Learn what your options are and how to get the right affordable health insurance plan for you.
Health insurance deductibles can vary depending on the plan. Learn how they work and the differences between health insurance with high and low deductibles.
1 U.S. Bank - How the U.S. healthcare system is shaping the economy. Updated on June 17, 2026. https://www.usbank.com/corporate-and-commercial-banking/insights/economy/macro/us-healthcare-system-and-economy.html. Accessed on June 18, 2026.
2 Forbes - Medicare Statistics And Facts. Updated on February 14, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/medicare/medicare-statistics/. Accessed on June 18, 2026.
3 Medicare.gov - Parts of Medicare. Updated on N/A. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/parts-of-medicare. Accessed on June 18, 2026.
4 Medicaid.gov - Medicaid. Updated on N/A. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicaid. Accessed on June 18, 2026.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York:
Accident: 38000 series: In Delaware, Policies A38100DE – A38300DE & A382OFDE. In Idaho, Policies A38100ID – A38300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A38100OK – A38300OK & A382OFOK. In Virginia, Policies A38100VA – A38300VA & A382OFVA. Not available in PA or NY.
Cancer/Specified-Disease, B70000 series: In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. A75000 series: In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA. In New York, Policies, NY76100 & NY761ES.
Critical Illness/Specified Health Event, A74000 series: In Delaware, Policies A74100DE, A74200DE, A74300DE. In Idaho, Policies A74100ID, A74200ID, A74300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A74100OK, A74200OK, A74300OK. In Virginia, Policies A74100VA, A74200VA, A74300VA. A73000 series: In Delaware, Policies A73100DE & A7310HDE. In Idaho, Policies A73100ID & A7310HID. In Oklahoma, Policies A73100OK & A7310HOK. In Virginia, Policy A73100VA & A7310HVA. B71000 series: In Delaware, Policies B71100, B71200, B7130H & B7140H. In Oklahoma, Policies B71100OK & B7110HOK.
Hospital Confinement Indemnity, B40000 Series, In Arkansas, Policies B40100AR & B401HAR. In Delaware, Policies B40100DE & B4010HDE. In Idaho, Policies B40100ID & B4010HID. In New York, Policies NYB40100 & NYB4010H. In Oklahoma, Policies B40100OK & B4010HOK. In Oregon, Policies B40100OR & B4010HOR. In Pennsylvania, Policies B40100PA & B4010HPA. In Texas, Policies B40100TX& B4010HTX. In Virginia, Policies B40100VA & B4010HVA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company:
Accident: In Delaware, Policy T37000. In Idaho, Policies T37100ID, T37200ID, & T37300ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T37000OK. In Virginia, Policies T37100VA, T37200VA, T37300VA, T37400VA & T37600VA.
Cancer/Specified-Disease: In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA.
Critical Illness: In Delaware, Policy T71000. In Oklahoma, Policy T71000OK. In Virginia, Policy T71100VA.
Aflac Medicare Supplement insurance, Policy series AFLMS – In Arkansas, policies AFLMSP22A-AR, AFLMSP22F-AR, AFLMSP22G-AR, AFLMSP22N-AR. In Idaho, policies AFLMSP22A-ID, AFLMSP22F-ID, AFLMSP22G-ID, AFLMSP22N-ID. In Oklahoma, policies AFLMSP22A-OK, AFLMSP22F-OK, AFLMSP22G-OK, AFLMSP22N-OK. In Oregon, policies AFLMSP22A-OR, AFLMSP22F-OR, AFLMSP22G-OR, AFLMSP22N-OR. In Pennsylvania, policies AFLMSP22A-PA, AFLMSP22F-PA, AFLMSP22G-PA, AFLMSP22N-PA. In Texas, policies AFLMSP22A-TX, AFLMSP22F-TX, AFLMSP22G-TX, AFLMSP22N-TX. In Virginia, policies AFLMSP22A-VA, AFLMSP22F-VA, AFLMSP22G-VA, AFLMSP22N-VA. Some plans may be available to qualified consumers under age 65. Plans not available in all states. Benefits/premium rates will vary based on coverage selected. For complete details of benefits, definitions, and exclusions, please carefully read the outline of coverage and policy forms, and refer to the “Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare.” Aflac Medicare supplement insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. All benefits payable under the policy are based upon Medicare-eligible expenses (as applicable). This is a solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an insurance agent or company. Aflac Medicare Supplement insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated, and is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company.
Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2500243R1
EXP 5/27
