Pondering the eternal question.

I could likely retire now and live out a modest lifestyle, seeking my own healthcare insurance - but concerns for healthcare costs hold me back.

I am 50 and in 6 years, I can retire from public service with the ability to remain in the healthcare insurance pool and as I understand it, continue paying the same premiums, co-payments, etc. as a regular employee.

This is what keeps me at the job.

However, I am fortunate to always have been healthy and have always had the benefit of employer provided insurance, so I don't really know what life is like on the other side - i.e. - to have health issues and use your own independent insurance.

So, I am basing my retirement decisions on not having any other life experience - and more specifically, *on the assumption* that this benefit I am eligible for in the future is *very valuable* and hard to put a financial price on.

Agree? different view point? My assumption faulty?

Thanks, RS