Q. I am a CSRS annuitant over 65 with Blue Cross/Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan as my Federal Employees Health Benefits insurer. My wife, who is turning 65 next month, and is covered under my FEHB has been served a notice that she will have $104.90 per month deducted from her Social Security benefit to pay for Part B. Is there something in the laws governing the FEHB program that requires covered spouses of retired federal employees to pay for Part B or forfeit benefits under the FEHB program?
A. No one is required to have Medicare Part B. If she doesn’t want that coverage, she needs to refuse it.
