Ask Larry

Do I Apply For Medicare Under My Late Husband's Record Or My Own Record?

I began collecting SS survivor benefits on my husband’s record when I turned 60 in 2018.
I had already resigned/retired from my Job in early 2018 to provide FT care to my mom. I plan on filing for SS on my record, much beyond FRA , probably at age 70.
I am thrilled to be eligible for Medicare later this year as my premiums are too high. . Do I apply for Medicare under my late husband’s record on which I am collecting, or my record? I don’t want to inadvertently claim Ss on my record, waiting until 70.
What do you think of this plan?

Hi. Since you're already collecting survivor benefits you won't need to file an application for parts A & B of Medicare. Social Security will automatically enroll you in those parts of Medicare effective with the first day of the month in which you reach age 65. The only way that you'd need to contact Social Security is if you want to decline optional part B of Medicare, which you almost certainly wouldn't want to do unless you have coverage through an employer group health plan.

You will initially be enrolled in Medicare under your husband's Social Security record, but that will change automatically if and when you claim your own benefits in the future. Waiting until age 70 to claim your own benefits is probably your best option, but you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits. By the way, you'll probably only want to apply for your own benefits in the future if your own benefit rate is higher than your survivor rate.

If you also want to enroll in a Medicare part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (i.e. part C) plan, you'll need to do that through a private insurance company. For more information, refer to the following Medicare website: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/how-to-get-prescription-dr....

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 22 2023 - 5:05pm
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