I probably misread this, but I thought I read that if a person received spousal benefits in 2016, that in 2017 that the monthly cost of Medicare would balloon to $149 monthly. Is this true? Is there a relationship between spousal benefits for social security and the cost of Medicare?

Hi,

No, I guess you must have misread something. There is no relationship between spousal benefits and the amount of Medicare premiums.

Hi Larry,
My wife and I went to the social security office this past Thurs. and she filed for her restricted spousal benefits with no problem (I had filed and suspended prior to the Apr. deadline). Since she will have her Medicare payment deducted from her check, will she be held harmless from the anticipated increase in part B? Her effective date for spousal benefits is Dec. (dob 12-12-1950), receiving her first check in Jan. 2017. Thanks to your book and advice we will be able to "maximize our social security".
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Is the Medicare premium deducted in advance, concurrently or in arrears? For example, is the premium deducted from a September Social Security payment going to pay the September Medicare premium? Thank you!

Hi, That's my understanding, but you should read Phil Moeller's new book Get What's Yours for Medicare -- It's coming out on October 4th. It get's into all the nitty gritty details of Medicare. It's an excellent read. I highly recommend it.

My best, Larry

Do you have to start Part A medicare or can you wait as long as you have your own health insurance?
Larry

Hi Larry,

As long as you don't file for monthly Social Security benefits, you aren't required to sign up for Part A of Medicare. However, Part A coverage is free if you're insured for it, and can act as a supplement to your employer group health plan if you're still working.

I will turn 65 in December this year and though I have Health Insurance that is good it costs almost $600.00 a month.
I'm aware that I need to register for Medicare in September to prevent from being penalized I still have questions about the best time to leave my current coverage and go on Medicare even though I don't plan to retire for a few years from now. Thanks for taking time.

Hi,

Dear Larry,

Subject: THANK YOU!!
Hello Jerry,

I just want to give you a huge, "THANK YOU," to your answer to my Aug 10 2016 - 12:15pm question, "How Should I Pay My Medicare Premiums?"

Your explanation was spot on. I sent payment for the full 3 months that evening (8/10), and I received my refund of 2 months electronically today, just 3 weeks after payment. You may post this as an update to the August 10th question for others to know that what you advised worked perfectly.

THANK YOU, again!!

Dennis Esslinger

Dear Dennis,

I paid my first Medicare premium for June-Aug 2016 of $365.40 and just received my bill for Sep-Oct-Nov in the amount of $1096.20 (3 x my first quarterly payment).
It appears that they've billed my quarterly amount as monthly because even at the maximum income adjustment (over $28k/yr) the monthly payment estimate is only $352.60 ($38.40 less than what I'm being charged for 3 months $1057.80 vs my $1096.20).

How much should I pay/What should I do???

Hi,

I'll be 66 Nov 2016. My wife will be 66 April 2017. I plan on working to age 70 and file for benefits at age 70. I am the major wage earner and my work insurance covers both of us. My wife is collecting disability benefits and is working part time. Two questions: What is the best strategy to maximize my social security and does my wife have to file medicare part B when she turns 66? I am thinking about the restricted application for my self, but I need more information.

Hi,

Hi Larry,

I am divorced and single. I filed for Medicare benefits upon turning 65 in September 2015, but I opted NOT to apply for social security benefits. I initially paid $317.40 per quarter ($104.90/month) for my Medicare Part B. After the increase in January, 2016 I am paying $365.40 per quarter ($121.80/month).