Q. I am confused about your Oct. 22 answer to “Medicare Part B in retirement.”
I am 63, retired, receiving my Social Security benefit, have coverage with Blue Cross/Blue Shield for my wife and myself, am not employed, and have no plans to return to work. It is my understanding that BC/BS requires purchase of Part B when I become eligible in a year or so. Yet, the answer to the question seemed unequivocal in stating that B is optional. Can you clarify for me, please?
A. Don’t be confused. What I wrote is correct. To back that up, here’s what the Office of Personnel Management has to say on the subject: “You don’t have to take Part B coverage if you don’t want it, and your Federal Employees Health Benefits plan can’t require you to take it.”
