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www.southernsenior.info 5 The burden on health care costs in retire- ment could be a significant hurdle for retirees without a sizable nest egg or effective strat- egy to cover such expenses. According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Esti- mate, an average retired couple aged 65 in 2022 could need around $315,000 after taxes to cover their health care expenses in retirement. Thought traditional retirement goals like financing travel or relocating to a warmer climate are worthy pursuits, it's vital that individuals of all ages, including those on the cusp of retirement, recognize the impor- tance of saving for health care expenses as well. Such expenses, which include medica- tion costs, are easy to take for granted when individuals are still working. However, Fidelity notes that generics, branded drugs and spe- cialty drugs account for roughly 17 percent of retirement health care expenses. That equates to around $53,500 that might be needed to pay for medication alone. DID YOU KNOW? S