MOD NOTE: Split from ACA Sticky thread.
I have a question that is perhaps a little tangential to the stated purpose of this thread, so feel free to tell me to delete it and start my own:
Husband and I are planning to retire in 3 1/2 years and move out of the country, for many reasons, including lower cost of living. Of course, while we're living the nomad life, we are planning to pay for health care out of pocket in the countries we're staying in.
My question is this: though we have no concrete plans to move back to the US, it is nevertheless a possibility. My worry is that, should we move back here later in life, the fact that we didn't apply for Medicare during the turning-65 window would mean that we would face a significant penalty/heightened cost for Medicare B, C, and D. So, what are our options? Is there no way out of that penalty due to the fact that we won't be in the US when we turn 65? Does ACA somehow afford us a better option? Also, how would ACA calculate our "income" for purposes of charging us, given that we won't be working anymore?