I received a phone call from a client asking a great question; is my spouse (turning 65) who has no work history eligible to apply for Medicare?

I went on to explain to him that your marital status can make a difference when it comes to your Medicare Part A premium.

Many people don’t pay a monthly Part A premium. If you or your spouse worked at least 10 years while paying Medicare taxes, you and your spouse typically both get premium-free Medicare Part A.

He then asked; what if my spouse who is turning 65 and hasn’t worked or paid taxes for 10 years – but I have paid Medicare taxes, what happens then?  I informed him that, even if you don’t qualify for Medicare yet, but you’re at least 62, your work history can help your spouse get premium-free Medicare Part A.

Let me give you an example. (Ken is 63 and Sandy 65)

Let say Sandy and Ken are a married couple. Sandy qualifies for Medicare before Ken does because Ken’s younger. Sandy worked seven years while paying Medicare taxes. She would owe a monthly premium for Medicare Part A if it weren’t for Ken’s work history.

Since Ken isn’t 65 yet he doesn’t qualify for Medicare. But he has worked longer than 10 years while paying taxes. So, based on Ken’s work and tax history, Sandy qualifies for premium-free Part A because she’s married to Ken.

As I continued to talk to the customer I explained to him that typically everyone pays a monthly premium for Medicare Part B, regardless of their marital status. But if you’re married, and your combined income is more than a certain amount, you might have to pay a higher Part B premium.

When you qualify for Medicare, it only covers you. It is an individual health plan. Medicare plans doesn’t cover family, beneficiary, or a group.  Learn more about Medicare. When your spouse becomes eligible she then can apply separately. You each will get your own red, white, and blue Medicare card. If you decide to get a certain type of Medicare coverage – for example, a Medicare Advantage plan – again, it only covers you, but your work history can help your spouse become eligible without being forced to pay Part A premiums.

Individual plans means your spouse can get the type of Medicare coverage that suites her needs. As for you, you might choose to get your benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan to take care of some dental work, while your spouse might decide on a Medicare Supplement insurance plan instead, since she prefers predictable costs. You’d still both have Medicare.

If you have questions regarding your Medicare plan options don’t hesitate to contact us. You might be surprised what you find out!