Q. I am a retired special agent with the federal government. I am 65 and have to sign up for Medicare Part A. I am a contractor with the federal government. My wife and I are covered by the FEHB. My FEHB plan is great, and we will have this insurance until death. Aside from some small additional out-of-pocket costs covered by Medicare Part B, do I need to sign up for Part B? How much on average must I pay for Part B coverage?
A. Medicare Part B is an optional benefit. It’s up to you to decide if you want to enroll in it and pay the premiums, which vary according to your income level. To see what Part B covers and the premiums charged, go to www.medicare.gov/cost.
