My in laws are under the assumption that they will lose their social security benefits if they drop plan B. Is this true? And if not, I can't believe it is, can you point me to information to help them understand they won't lose their benefits.

Hi,

No, that's not true. Social Security eligibility is entirely separate and distinct from Medicare. However, if your in-laws do drop Part B they may have to pay a higher premium rate if they decide to re-enroll in the future, and there are only certain enrollment periods in which you can sign up.

My wife began Medicare benefits as of Sept 1. She received an invoice from CMS and paid the Medicare Part B premium for September-December ($134*4months). Now, she is starting her SS Retirement benefit as of November (her FRA). The award letter indicates that Part B premiums will be deducted from her monthly checks when they begin in December.
I have two questions:

Hi Larry,
My husband collects his early retirement social security as of his age of 62 he reached this past October 2017. We live in Germany and have a German private medical insurance. In the Social Security booklet sent to us, it is stated

Dear Larry,

I am wondering if I should apply for Medicare Part A. I am 64, turning 65 in February 2018. I am still employed by a Fed Government agency and have FEHB, and contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). I would like to continue contributing in 2018 even if I enroll in Medicare Part A, to take advantage of the tax savings. Will I still be eligible for a tax saving? Since Part A only covers in-patient expenses, I will still incur deductibles and co-pays for doctor visits & prescription drugs, and can use the FSA to pay for these costs.

I am currently receiving spousal social security benefits, but will change to my benefits in November after reaching the age 70. The social security benefit letter says that my part B premium will go from $105 to $134 per month. I thought I would be protected by the held harmless provision due to the fact that I was already receiving benefits from my wife's account. Am I correct?

Hi,

I was able to earn up to $750.00 a month and still keep my social security disability benefits, will I lose my medicare part A and B if I return to work part time?

Hi,

I'm assuming from your question that you qualify for Medicare coverage based on your entitlement to Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits. If that's the case, then your Medicare coverage wouldn't be terminated unless your SSDI entitlement ends, or you stop paying any required Medicare premiums.

My social security is being withheld due to IRS reporting company earning on my social security number even though they are reported separate. Individual and company returns.
will they still take out my medicare or will I have to get a medicare replacement plan. This has put my husband and myself in a significant hardship and this is our only income. The company has may very little profit the last 2 years and we have not been able to take any salary in 3 years.

Hi,

I worked for over 55 years and contributed to Medicare all those years. Why, now that I have retired, does Social Security still deduct Medicare insurance premiums from my monthly social security benefits?

Hi,

The Medicare taxes collected from wages fund only Part A (Inpatient Hospital) coverage under Medicare. If you sign up for other parts of Medicare then you must pay a monthly premium.

Best, Jerry

Hello Larry,
I am 66 years old, my husband and I live off of our social security checks as our only source of income. My question is can the government garnish my whole check for health insurance if I'm supposed to be on medi-care not medi-cal? I only make a very small amount and they've taken it all. Please help! Thank You.

Hi,

If my friend did not contribute to Social Security, can he still receive Medicaid at retirement age ? ( He now receives SSI and Medicaid, and is turning 62 in January )
Thank you for your time and attention,
Sincerely,
J

Hi J,