Retirement can be more challenging when you’re going it alone. From sustaining income to securing health care and legal protections, singles must address each of these areas to reach their retirement goals.

With a contract deadline looming, negotiations between Ascension Texas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas could leave patients facing higher out-of-network costs. If no agreement is reached by January 1, those insured by Blue Cross and Blue Shield may see their medical bills increase at several Ascension facilities across the region.