Q. I’m 74 and have been retired for 5½ years. During that time, my medical coverage has been through my working wife’s FEHB family plan and Medicare Part A. I’ve never enrolled for Medicare Part B. My wife has just retired, retaining the FEHB family plan. She will also enroll (SEP) for Medicare Part B. If I enroll for Medicare Part B, will I be penalized for late enrollment?
A. Yes, if you were covered by her plan when you were first eligible to enroll in Part B. If so, you may enroll during the eight-month period that begins the first full month in which you are no longer covered under that health plan based on her current employment.
