When you retire early, you're really on your own for health care

In Brighton, retirement has given Graham Smith the freedom to build his days around movement and discovery.​

“I decided I was going to live as actively as possible during retirement,” he said. That means cycling more than 100 miles a week, hiking, traveling and escaping Michigan winters —recently for three months in the south of France.​

But retiring before he was eligible for Medicare brought a new kind of uncertainty. After working for 30 years in the health insurance industry, Graham understood the stakes.​

“When you retire early, you're really on your own for health care and that can be kind of scary,” he said.​

Without an employer plan, health coverage became his responsibility and a major part of his budget.​

With a CVS Pharmacy near home and MinuteClinic available when he cannot get an appointment with his primary care provider, Graham has convenient options for prescriptions, immunizations and everyday health needs.​

“CVS Health gave me accessible and affordable options I really felt confident about,” he said.​

That access is especially meaningful when travel plans come together quickly. Before a trip, Graham can visit CVS for a needed vaccine, meaning there’s no delay to his upcoming adventures.​

“I have never had anything but a good experience and a fast experience in getting in to see someone for those services,” he said. “Knowing that's always there just gives me that peace of mind.”​

Reassurance means more to Graham than convenience. It protects the retirement he worked toward and the life he wants to keep living.​

“A big part of my retirement is staying healthy enough to do all the things I want to do, and CVS plays a part in that,” he said.​