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,

No, she won't be held harmless for the 2017 Medicare premium increase, assuming that there is one. She would have to be receiving benefits beginning no later than November 2016 in order to be held harmless for any 2017 increase (https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/4122/Since-there-is-...).

Your wife can't elect to receive spousal benefits prior to December 2016 without also being deemed to file for reduced retirement benefits on her own account, which would almost certainly be disadvantageous for her.

Best, Jerry