Q. My wife retired on disability 2½ years ago after 26 years of federal service because of dementia. She has other health issues. Recently, we received a letter and a “Welcome to Medicare” brochure. We are very happy with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida. Can she refuse to go on Medicare? And what is are advantages of going on Medicare?
A. There are no arguments in favor of turning down Medicare Part A. She already paid for it through payroll deductions while working. You need to look at her Federal Employees Health Benefits brochure to see what the effect would be if she didn’t enroll. Because she’ll have to pay premiums to enroll in Part B, before signing up for that, you’ll need to compare the costs and benefits of doing so.
