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,

First of all, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 even if you aren't insured for Social Security benefits. However, if you aren't insured you would have to pay a premium for Part A of Medicare, which is premium free for people who are insured for Social Security benefits. Even if you are insured you must pay a premium for Part B of Medicare, and unless you're covered by an employer group health plan (EGHP) as an active employee you should probably consider enrolling at least for Part B of Medicare when you reach age 65 to avoid late enrollment penalties.

If your wife is insured for Social Security benefits, the soonest that you could qualify for premium free Part A of Medicare based on her record is when a) she reaches age 62, or b) she becomes entitled to Social Security disability benefits. However, if you wait until your wife reaches age 62 to apply for Part B of Medicare, you'll be subject to a late enrollment penalty of 10% for each year that you waited past age 65 to enroll.

Best, Jerry