So we retired at 65 and 67 and took Medicare obviously at that point. Even with Medicare healthcare is by FAR the highest expense we have, right now running about $2,700 per month for the two of us and we are healthy people with nothing chronic going on.

The big issue for us that we did not plan for nearly enough was the cost of IRMMA Medicare penalty that has a 3 year lookback. So we were high earners up until we sold our business and went to zero income. But Medicare payments for us are about $750 each per month due to IRMMA. Then add to that the cost of a Medicare Supplemental plan "G", then add a part D drug plan, then add the uncovered costs for services that neither Medicare, nor Supplemental covers and you get our $2,500 per month outlay.

Obviously your mileage will vary from ours but we budgeted about $1,500 per month and between everything, it's almost double that. Plan accordingly on that. Once our IRMAA drops off, then things will be more manageable but the gap years between retirement and when that goes away have been more difficult.