I live in California and now the SS Administration is telling me that if I don't opt out of Medi Care part A, I will have my SSI cut down to about $80.00 less. Is this true and why are they doing this? I have a small retirement Soc Sec income along with this (which they can't touch of course). I have been getting Medi Cal and the Medi Care since I am now over 65. I just have a small co pay amount on my meds too.

Hi,

There must be some kind of misunderstanding involved, because you can't opt out of Part A Medicare if you are drawing Social Security benefits. And, one of the conditions for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility is that you're required to file for any Social Security benefits for which you're eligible. So, it sounds like there's no way that you could opt out of Part A of Medicare and continue to receive SSI.

Furthermore, as long as you are at least age 65 and eligible for Social Security benefits, Part A of Medicare is premium free. Therefore, I can't imagine any reason why Part A Medicare eligibility would cause your SSI payments to be reduced. I would suggest re-contacting Social Security for clarification.

Best, Jerry