Jerry Jackson MD

For someone whose full retirement age is 67, waiting to claim until age 70 could mean monthly retirement benefits ↑~24% for life.
For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. Benefits can begin at 62, but claiming before full retirement age reduces payments.
Delaying a retirement claim beyond full retirement age earns credits that make benefits ↑~8% per yr. Credits stop accumulating at age 70.
A higher earner's delayed credits can carry into a surviving spouse's benefit, but they do not increase spousal benefits based on that earner's record.
Choosing when to claim depends on health, family longevity, household income needs and other goals. Earlier filing may yield more lifetime income in some circumstances.

Waiting Until 70 Can Raise Social Security

In the US, original federal health coverage includes hospital and medical benefits, while private alternative plans substitute for it under government rules.
Original coverage requires deductibles and generally leaves ~20% of covered costs to patients. Private supplemental insurance can help cover those out-of-pocket expenses.
Private alternative plans cover essential hospital and medical benefits, except hospice, and often include prescription drugs plus some eye and hearing exam coverage.
Compare premiums, copays and provider access: supplemental coverage may cost more upfront, while private alternatives typically have lower premiums and higher copays.
For coverage choices, consider provider networks and travel patterns; original coverage with a supplement may better suit people who live in multiple states.