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Ohio

It can be difficult to decide where to retire. A potential retiree has many factors to consider, including access to Medicare/Medigap. The decision is a highly personal one, and many follow intuitive feelings after considering the climate, the area’s senior population, the crime rate and the location’s predicted life expectancy.

According to a recent study by MoneyRates, Ohio may not be the best choice. In fact, it is ranked in 6th place (in a dead-heat tie with New York) among the worst states for retirement. This particular study analyzed tax, unemployment and crime rates along with consideration of the cost of living. Of course, there are still other considerations for older Americans wishing to relocate. One such issue is Medicare/Medigap access.
 
Ohio does relatively well economically. The jobless rate stands at 7 percent against a national unemployment rate of 7.9 percent. Ohio has the best tax setup that it has seen in 16 years. The state ranks 20th in America for tax burdens, meaning the cost of living is lower than the national average, an important consideration for those looking for an economically friendly place to retire. Seniors would likely find the weather of middling quality, but it is no worse than average in other states.

Unfortunately, the high rate of property crimes may stop older Americans from moving to Ohio. Seniors in Ohio also have a shorter average life span than elderly Americans in other states. Overall, Ohio’s older demographic makes up 14 percent of the population and growing much more slowly than the rate is nationwide. It appears seniors are choosing other states and avoiding Ohio, Alaska, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Alaska is far too harsh and expensive for most seniors. Michigan has bitterly frigid weather and an economy in turmoil. Pennsylvania faces economic issues and their senior population is almost at a standstill.

Notwithstanding the various discouraging factors in some states, seniors may still have access to Medicare/Medigap and the opportunity to take care of their health no matter where they choose to live (whether Honolulu or Columbus). No matter what decision a senior makes, he or she should first check on access to Medicare/Medigap. Some states offer different policies, and it is best to be informed of those differences prior to moving.