|
||||||||
Social Security & Medicare Questions Q: I am turning 65 soon but will continue to receive my health insurance through my husband's place of work. Is there any reason why I should sign up for Medicare Part B doctor's insurance since it would be duplicated by my other insurance? A: Signing up for Medicare Part B insurance is highly recommended, but don't give up your husband's insurance plan, which is likely to be better than Medicare. If you don't purchase Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period when you turn 65, you may have to pay an additional 10% premium for every year you wait. This rule has stuck many Medicare beneficiaries with higher premium costs because Medicare generally does not explain it in advance. There are certain protections for individuals and their spouses who are employed by companies with more than 20 employees and who remain actively employed. Once your husband's employment ceases, the two of you would have a special enrollment period of eight months after termination of the employer's health plan. Call Social Security toll free at (800) 772-1213 and ask how the delayed Medicare Part B enrollment rules apply in your case. n This article first appeared in Volume 4, Issue 8 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (July/August/1999). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here. | ||||||||
|
|
||||||||
