Husband DOB 12/17/49. Retired, was primary wage earner. Filed & suspended social security @ 66 yrs old. Plans to file for social security @ 70 yrs old. Has Medicare.
Wife DOB 1/18/1953. Still working. Plans to file for spousal benefit @ 66 yrs old.
When files for spousal benefit, will she be required to enroll in Medicare? If yes, how soon would Medicare become effective. If required to enroll in Medicare, and as of January 18' 2019 (66th birthday) , have an employer sponsored HSA for 2018 & have made maximum allowed contributions by June 2018, will the 6 month retroactive Medicare affect the 2018 HSA contributions?
Her preference would be to continue on employer HDHP and contribute to HSA. Is that an option? If not, she plans to enroll in employer PPO.
Social security & Medicare decisions can be somewhat overwhelming.
Appreciate your expertise.

Hi,

I'm sorry but I'm not an expert on IRS rules. I can only tell you that when you file for Social Security benefits you will be automatically enrolled in Part A (inpatient hospital coverage) of Medicare if you are at least age 65 at that time. You cannot decline the Part A Medicare enrollment. And, if you file for Social Security benefits at least 6 months after you turn age 65 your Part A coverage would take effect 6 months prior to your month of filing.

Our software can't help you with Medicare, but you may want to strongly consider using it in order to determine the best overall filing strategy for the two of you.

Best, Jerry