(Newswire.net — June 28, 2019) — Medicare is often a tricky subject and just a handful of couples know whether they’re eligible for Medicare through their spouse. In fact, many people don’t know the right answer to the question: can I get Medicare through my spouse? The simple answer is yes, but there are plenty of factors you need to know and understand. The waters may be tricky to navigate, but here are some of the basics.
Can I Get Medicare Through My Spouse?
So, can I get Medicare through my spouse? The simple answer is yes, but there are plenty of factors you need to know and understand.
Medicare Part A Eligibility
The first thing you need to understand is your own eligibility for premium-free Part A. If you’re already eligible on your own, then you don’t need to research your eligibility through your spouse.
Bear in mind that you are eligible for premium-free Part A if you’re 65 and:
- You’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes in the United States for at least 40 quarters.
- You’re eligible for Railroad Retirement Benefits
Moreover, anyone under 65 years of age with End-Stage Renal Disease or a qualifying disability could also qualify for Medicare.
Medicare For Non-Working Spouse
If none of the above apply, your next step would be to look at your spouse’s eligibility. If your spouse meets the mentioned criteria, you may be eligible for premium-free Part A Medicare.
Here are some cases when you qualify for Medicare when you turn 65 through your spouse, who must be at least 62 years of age.
- Married: you must be married for at least one year before applying
- Divorced: you must have been married to your former spouse for at least ten years; and you are now single
- Widowed: You must have been married to your spouse for not less than nine months and you are now single.
What’s Not Covered Under Your Spouse’s Medicare
Part B Premiums
The chances are that you’re more likely going to be required to pay a premium for your Medicare Part B, regardless of how you qualify for premium-free Part A.
Your premium for Part B, however, will depend on your income. The premium you’re required to pay for part B will be deducted from your Social Security Check every month. If you don’t receive social security, however, you’ll always receive a quarterly bill for your premium.
Moreover, you can always buy Part B without having to buy Part A.
Bottom Line
So, here’s a simple checklist that will help you answer the question: can I get Medicare through my spouse? Here’s what you’ll want to determine:
- Are you eligible for premium-free Part A without your spouse?
- Will your spouse be eligible for Social Security when you enroll in Medicare?
- Has your spouse worked enough for you to be eligible for Medicare Part A?
- How will you pay for Part B if you’re not eligible for Part A?
It’s important to bear in mind that there are some exceptions to the eligibility rules mentioned above. Eligibility requirements may seem a bit overwhelming but you can always get more details from Medicare experts. Be sure to do your research before making any major decisions about Medicare as health insurance is critical to have.