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Fortune
Fortune
Sydney Lake

Retirees wait for the day they can sell their homes and cash in—but there's a secret Medicare 'trap' that could stop them in their tracks

(Credit: Getty Images—THEPALMER)

Aside from loads of extra free time and the freedom to pursue new hobbies, one of the most exciting moments of retirement can be when it’s finally time to sell the family home and downsize. Not only does it mean less maintenance on a home, but it can also be a great financial boon—especially thanks to multi-decade home appreciation.

Typically, Americans start retirement and the downsizing process in their mid 50s to mid 60s, with some waiting until their 70s or 80s. But there’s a major consideration to be made when deciding the right time to sell the family home and downsize—and it could be a make-it or break-it monthly health care expense.

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