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Skyrocketing health insurance costs are a major reason why many American baby boomers and Generation-Xers won't be able to maintain their standard of living when they retire.

A new study released by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College and cited by MSN Health reports that based on estimated monthly costs for those who rely on Medicare when they retire, "most baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and Generation Xers (born between 1965 and 1974) would have to have about $102,000 per person ($206,000 per couple) set aside just for health care expenses when they retire."

The average amount most retirees set aside for health insurance costs and living expenses combined is around $60,000, according to the center's report. The results indicate that most retirees are going to see a marked decline in their quality of living when they retire due to the rise in health insurance and health care costs across the country.

Clearly we are reaching a critical point in health care in America. Consumers and upcoming retirees need to start searching for good health insurance coverage today, so that they are healthy when they become eligible for Medicare. Medicare supplemental insurance can plug some gaps for those whose needs aren't fully met by Medicare, but the best means of preparing for the future is to save more, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and pray for change in our health care.