Larry I AM A RETIRED FED. WORKER. I WORK PART TIME,AN WILL QUALIFY FOR SSI AT AGE 66. I HAVE MY OWN HEALTH PLAN WHEN I RETIRED. SHOULD I GET MEDICARE ON TOP OF MY HEALTH PLAN I ALREADY HAVE. I HAVE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD IT COVERS 80% AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

THANKS DENNIS

Hi Dennis,

There's no simple answer to that question, and I can't make the decision for you. Part A Medicare coverage is free, so you will probably at least want to sign up for that when you turn 65. Part B of Medicare is optional, and you would have to pay a premium for the coverage. The premium amount varies depending on your annual income (https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs/part-b-costs.html).

If you do sign up for Medicare, it will pay first and your federal employee plan will pay second. That should give you pretty complete coverage, but would come with more out of pocket costs for premiums assuming that you sign up for Part B. Whether or not the higher cost is worth the additional coverage is a personal choice that you'll have to make for yourself.

Best, Jerry