Don't know whether to enroll in Medicare A or A & B

[waltgws]

Hi, all, I will be 65 in 3 months and quitting my job at that time. I will be covered by my spouse's company's health insurance plan--my question is, given this coverage, do I need to apply for Medicare A only or Medicare A and B?

Would the health insurance coverage I have under my spouse's company's plan be considered my primary and Medicare my secondary, or vice versa.

I called the Medicare helpline today and the person I spoke to didn't know--plus she spent most of her time reading me the benefits of A and B from her computer screen--it didn't help me at all.

Thank you!

 

[mattspits]

Hi, all, I will be 65 in 3 months and quitting my job at that time. I will be covered by my spouse's company's health insurance plan--my question is, given this coverage, do I need to apply for Medicare A only or Medicare A and B?

Would the health insurance coverage I have under my spouse's company's plan be considered my primary and Medicare my secondary, or vice versa.

I called the Medicare helpline today and the person I spoke to didn't know--plus she spent most of her time reading me the benefits of A and B from her computer screen--it didn't help me at all.

Thank you!

Unfortunately, that is the typical user experience when you call Medicare! The big unknown here is the statement "given this coverage". Exactly what will your coverage be like after you turn 65? Some companies reduce or stop offering their health coverage when you turn 65. I would do these steps...

1. Contact your company and have them mail you the evidence of coverage along with the costs
2. Ask THEM if they require you to carry Medicare Part B for their coverage. This is typically determined by the company.
3. Finally, try to determine based on cost and coverage whether it makes more sense to stay on the group or to leave. Just remember that once you leave group coverage, you can never go back.
4. Sign up for my FREE 5 part mini-course on Medicare Made Easy

Also, Medicare is generally primary and your group coverage becomes secondary once you go on Medicare.