For people nearing retirement, where do they get health insurance? They are only 63 years old, but want to retire.?

If they wait two more years when they turn 65, they will be covered by Medicare. Medicare covers 80% of healthcare costs and you can get an AARP policy to cover the 20% remaining. It is called a MediGap policy. Otherwise, it will be expensive for them to get private insurance like Blue Shield if they do not have insurance coverage where they work or an employer who offers some health insurance when they retire. There are many insurances out there.

Private health insurance companies can sell insurance but they are not group plans.

Check the government site, but I believe you have to have a qualifying event -- like end of another plan -- to add federal insurance plans January 1. Retirement is a qualifying event. However, a COBRA plan should be compared to the government plans.

Most major companies also sell Medicare supplemental health policies to cover items not covered by Medicare, when you qualify for Medicare.

Shop plans before you need them. It is confusing, since so many have different terms - even from the same company.

Option 1:

For the first 18 months (36 if disabled or in California), then can pay with their own money to keep the insurance that they had from work.

When they turn 65, they get medicare.

Option 2:

They buy health insurance, on the exchange for their state, and pay for it, with their own money.

Same place everyone else gets it. Either from their employer or they buy it on their own.