How North Carolina Teachers Can Afford Healthcare in Retirement

💥 $315,000.
That’s the average amount a retired couple in the U.S. will spend on healthcare during retirement.

If you’re a North Carolina public school teacher, that number should make you pause. Many educators assume their pension and state retiree health plan will cover all healthcare costs — but the truth is, there are big gaps you need to prepare for.

Why Healthcare Planning is Critical for NC Teachers

Most NC teachers expect to transition smoothly from the classroom into retirement, with their pension providing steady income and their state health plan covering medical needs. But here’s the reality:

1. Retire Before 65? You’ll face a coverage gap until Medicare kicks in.
   
   

2. Not Everyone Qualifies for Free Retiree Coverage. Your hire date and years of service determine your costs.
   
   

3. Dental, Vision, and Long-Term Care aren’t included in the basic state health plan.
   
   

These gaps can lead to thousands in out-of-pocket expenses — expenses that aren’t in most teachers’ retirement budgets.

A Real Teacher’s Story: Janet’s Surprise Bill

In the episode, I shared the story of Janet (name changed), a retired NC teacher with 22 years of service. She thought her health coverage would be free. But within her first year of retirement, she was paying nearly $700 per month in premiums — an expense she never planned for.

Janet told me, “I planned for my pension, but I didn’t plan for this.”

Her story isn’t unique. It’s a cautionary tale for every NC educator thinking about retirement.

5 Key Steps to Protect Your Retirement from Healthcare Costs

From Retirement Ready: How North Carolina Teachers Can Afford Healthcare in Retirement, here are the five key steps every NC teacher should take:

1. Confirm Your Service Credits
   Log into ORBIT or contact the Retirement System to check your official service credit record.
   
   

2. Know Your Eligibility Rules
   Your hire date and years of service will affect your retiree health benefits — sometimes dramatically.
   
   

3. Understand Your Plan Options
   Learn the differences between the 80/20 and 70/30 plans under the NC State Health Plan.
   
   

4. Prepare for the Pre-Medicare Gap
   If you retire before 65, research COBRA, Marketplace plans, or the retiree group plan if eligible.
   
   

5. Budget for Extras
   Dental, vision, and spouse coverage are separate costs you must plan for.
   
   

Final Word

Healthcare costs are one of the biggest threats to a comfortable retirement for North Carolina educators. But with the right planning, you can protect your pension and your peace of mind.

🎯 Take the first step today — watch the replay of Retirement Ready: How North Carolina Teachers Can Afford Healthcare in Retirement and get the strategies you need to close the gaps.
👉 Watch the Replay

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