Q. I am 68 years old, I am still working and I have FERS. I had to sign up for Medicare Part A when I reached 66 (my full retirement age under Social Security). It was presented as “mandatory” to sign up for Medicare Part A. When I went in to the Social Security office to get information, they told me that if I am still working and have health care coverage by the federal government, I do not have to sign up for Medicare Part B until after I am retired and I am collecting my retirement pension.
However, they made it clear that Medicare Part B is mandatory once I have retired, even though I will have my government insurance coverage. They said it is “mandatory” that retired people at their full SSI retirement age collecting Social Security sign up for Medicare Part B. Is this a false statement by the SSI? I have been under the impression that Medicare Part B is optional.
A. Yes, it is a false statement. Enrollment in Medicare Part B coverage is optional.
