I noticed that the question are: marital status on the SS APPLICATION provides a voice for Common Law status. Can a common law spouse apply for Medicare benefits under their spouse and what credentials are required to evidence common law status? Thank you

Hi,

Hi
I am 63 years old retired on a pension, my occupation did not require that I pay into social security due to my pension. Working in other jobs when I was younger I did pay into social security for 26 quarters. My question is in regards to medicare, my wife is 56 years and is actively worked but is fully vested in the social security system. Will I qualify for medicare and social security benefits through my spouse? If so when would I qualify for these benefits?
Thx

Hi,

in 2018 I had about $58K earned income so Social Security charges me more for Medicare Part B in 2019 and 2020. I was in a health crisis most of 2019 so had far less earned income and this year was only able to work for about 4 months. I had to retire for health reasons and now am just "surviving" on Social Security alone as I lost all my retirement nest egg in the last Recession. Can I: (a) get Social Security to reduce my Medicare Part B premium to a level appropriate to my new financial situation and (b) if not can I DISCONTINUE Medicare Part B?

Hi Larry,

I'm 65 and was planning to work until I turn 66 in December, however, after being furloughed from my job in April I felt there was a strong possibility I would be laid off so I applied for Social Security retirement in May 2020. when I was asked when I wanted Medicare Part B to start I said July 1st.

Concerning the "Hold Harmless" law. If a person was subjected to higher Medicare Part B premiums in 2021, due to not qualifying for this provision, does this affect their future Medicare premium amounts in 2022, or future years?

Assume there is no cause for "Hold Harmless" in those future years, only in 2021. Thanks for any replies!

Hi,

Hi, Larry, thanks for taking the time. I'm trying to plan for my wife's future Medical costs. The Medicare website (https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-a-costs) says that part A is free if "You already get retirement benefits from Social Security". At FRA, she will receive spousal benefits (she will not qualify for her own retirement benefits as she does not have enough credits). My question is - do spousal benefits qualify as 'retirement benefits'?

Hi,

I’m still working and will reach full retirement age next month. I applied for survivor benefits with Social Security this month. They asked if I would like to start Medicare part A I said no because I continue to put money aside in a healthcare savings account. They said they could not process my application with out signing me up for Medicare part a. Is there a way to decline?

Hi,

Hi Mr.Larry I wanted to know if I retired at the age of 66 full retirement age and have health insur ance on my job ,and have Medicare and never used it yet and have Cigna Insurance can I switch to Medicare instead.If I retired now I might not have enough to retired on my late husband benefits,I wonder can I draw my retirement and his benefits also

Hi,

I have heard we can receive a Medicare Part B FEHB plan reombursement . What forms and how do I apply for this refund

Hi,

I believe what you're referring to is that some Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) plans offer partial reimbursement to their enrollees if they're also enrolled in Part B of Medicare. Those reimbursements are paid by the individual FEHB insurance companies, not Medicare or Social Security. You'll need to check with your FEHB insurance company to see if your plan offers a reimbursement of Part B premiums.