Summary Box: Fidelity estimates couple needs $250,000 for health care costs in retirement

Summary Box: Retiree health care estimate rises

RISING COSTS: Fidelity Investments estimates a couple retiring this year will need $250,000, on average, to cover health care expenses in retirement. That’s up 4.2 percent from last year.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS: The estimate is based on a 65-year-old couple with Medicare coverage, factoring in premiums, co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket prescription costs.

WHAT’S LEFT OUT: Fidelity’s estimate doesn’t factor in long-term care or most dental services. It also doesn’t account for prescription drug benefit savings that many retirees can expect from the new health care overhaul.