[BeetleBailey]

Originally Posted by ValerieJo

We would love to retire early and move to the villages. However, the only thing keeping us from doing so is medical coverage. We were not lucky enough to have jobs that provide healthcare until age 65.

Is there any chance that there are jobs in the area that would provide benefits? Doesn't need to pay a lot, decent pay and mainly the benefits?

Any type of industrial employment down there?

Any ideas?

Try Marion County Schools in Ocala. I know several folks who work in the school system that live in The Villages. They offer benefits. Check it out. Good luck.

[PattyCakes]

Publix DOES provide some benefits, but not medical unless you are full time, and those jobs are few and far between. I worked for Publix for years, part-time, and did have health care until corporate DOUBLED the hourly requirement per week, which no manager was allowed to use. Publix does allow you, after a certain time period, to purchase stock, and offers disability insurance, that type of thing. But if you're looking for medical coverage, good luck friend.

[fb32162]

Health care jobs (even non-professional positions such as housekeeping, dietary aides or maintenance) usually offer good health care benefits. Check area hospitals (The Villages, Leesburg, Tavares, Ocala). It helps to expand your search beyond the bubble. Leesburg, Tavares and Ocala are easily within commuting distance. Even Orlando is just under an hour's commute.