[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by RowdysMom

Right now, because everyone over age 65 is eligible for Medicare (if they have worked enough), company insurances, like your husband's, become your secondary (gap) insurance - not your primary insurance - Medicare is your primary insurance. I would be unsure that they would continue to cover you fully like they are now. See, it is a huge cost savings for companies for their retired employees (and families) when they become eligible for Medicare. Of course, if you are not elgible, then perhaps they will continue to cover you - but I wouldn't count on it. Many companies that are struggling financially right now, are deleting their health insurance for their retired employees. I think it may be fairly common for retirees to not have health insurance through their company after they retire. Of course, we may have some sort of national or universal health insurance at some point, but again, you just never know.

Also, what if something happened to your husband..... you just never know what might happen, so I always recommend to young women that they try to have a plan in place for the future. I do think it is important to stay home with the little ones, but when they are in school or grown is a good time to work on those social security credits!

Thanks- that's great advice! My daughter is just about to turn 14 and I do have the time to work. I actually did go back to work a few years ago but only lasted about 4 months because I make so little income it doesn't really make any difference and I hated the lost time. The work credits got me thinking though. I'm only 35 so I know everything will be different by the time I'm 65 but I am considering a part time job because you're so right- It's better to just play it safe. Of course now with the high unemployment rate it's a terrible time to job hunt and I'd hate to take a job from someone who actually needs it for the income but I am keeping it in mind.