Originally Posted by dennis336

The whole process of determining when to "pull the trigger" on retiring can get complicated, especially, if we don't have a good defined-benefit pension plan and we don't have paid retiree health benefits. I'm also in that place ... my spouse is about 3 1/2 years younger and has been on my benefit plan for health coverage. I'll be 65 soon but am still working. I won't have paid health insurance when I retire so that definitely is a big factor assessing expenses in retirement. Fortunately, my job is fairly low-pressure and I'm able to work at home so working a bit longer isn't an issue from a stress or work-life balance prospective.

Have you checked out the ACA Exchanges in your state? Admittedly, those plans can get very pricey, too, especially if you don't qualify for a subsidy and live in a high-cost state. But, depending on your retirement income, you may be able to qualify for a subsidy that makes it more attractive than your retiree plan (btw, if by 'retirement benefit', you mean COBRA, you've got a limited number of months you can use that anyway so you or your wife would still have a gap waiting for Medicare. In CT, we can go through the ACA portal and enter our expected income level to see what plans are available and the estimated cost. Does your state have a similar portal? If so, you could do a cost-benefit calculation compared to your retiree benefit

Alternatively, is working longer an option for you? That's the path I've chosen (not just for health benefit reasons, but that is a factor). But my situation may be very different so I know that may not be a great option for your situation.

Best of luck in whatever decision you choose!