Q. I retired from the federal government at age 55 with survivor benefits for my husband, who is eight years younger than I am. I will be eligible for Medicare on Dec. 1. If I opt for the Medicare parts A and B, can I reduce the costs of Blue Cross/Blue Shield by going from family plan, which covers both of us, to the single plan for him only? A. Not unless he is a federal employee or retiree and, as such, eligible to enroll on his own.
Browsing: HEALTH INSURANCE
Q. Does Medicare Part B cover the shingles shot? My doctor has recommended I get one, but the cost is $250. A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine. If you have private insurance or Medicaid, your plan may or may not cover the vaccine; contact your insurer to find out.”
Q. My wife and I are both federal employees. I am CSRS and she is FERS. Since 2009, I have carried “family” health coverage that is deducted from my CSRS paycheck to cover our health insurance needs. Prior to 2009, she carried her own federal health insurance. She has had no break in federal service (health care coverage) between 1988 and August 2012. Should I precede my wife in death, how much spousal retirement benefit should I leave her so she can continue to receive full federal health insurance benefits? I have been told that all I have to leave…
Q. I turned 65 in April and enrolled into Medicare Part A and B, for which I am paying $99.90 a month for Part B. I was subcontracted through an agency back to my former employer. They are taking Medicare tax out of my check, while I am enrolled into Medicare. Is there a way to have them stop taking the tax out of my paycheck or a tax credit? A. No.
Q. I am turning 65 and, although professional and educated, am struggling with the “right” choice for Medicare. My service was 15 years CSRS and 18 years FERS. I pay approximately $100/month for excellent HMO coverage. Taking Medicare Part B seems to be doubling my cost without seeing much return on investment other than to appear to be over-insured. Is there any legislation pending or any other compelling reason to take Part B in addition to maintaining FEHBP? A. Signing up for Medicare Part B is a personal decision. No one is pressing you to do that by either persuasion…
Q. I will be retiring next year after 31 years from CSRS. I am not eligible for Social Security. Am I eligible for Medicare parts A and B at age 65? A. Yes, you are. You paid for Part A coverage through payroll deductions. You’ll also be eligible for Part B, for which you would have to pay the premiums.
Q. I am a postal worker and an APWU member under FERS. I belong to the APWU health plan. I plan to keep this plan when I retire as a supplement of Medicare Part B. Since this plan is offered under FEHB, do I now and will I then have to be and continue to be a member of the APWU? Their union dues continue to increase, and I don’t want to continue if I don’t have to, but I also don’t want to be dropped from the plan if I discontinue my membership. A. No, you won’t have to…
Q. I am a retired federal employee with current BC/BS FEP Code 112 health insurance and Medicare parts A and B. Which is considered primary, and which secondary? Should I expect service providers to submit claims to both? A. Because you are retired, Medicare is primary and your BC/BS plan secondary. Yes, you should expect your providers to submit claims to both.
Q. I am 61 and a federal employee with FEPBLUE. My wife turned 65 last year and was enrolled in Medicare parts A and B paying the Part B out of her Social Security check. I recently took a CSRS retirement class that stated that Part B is a total waste of money because in our situation, Medicare is not only secondary to FEHB (which I knew), but Part B would pay nothing until it was primary. They advised us to cancel Part B until I retire because it is worthless until then. Please advise. A. The person who taught…
Q. I am thinking of retiring soon, with 35 years’ service at 62 years old. My wife is 72 and bedridden and has Part A Medicare and Medicaid and is still on my FEHB. I have been told I should have her apply for Part B Medicare and drop her from my FEHB. She will have parts A and B Medicare and Medicaid, and from a letter she received recently, she is covered also under Part D prescription. Is taking her off my insurance the thing to do, or will I end up with many out-of-pocket expenses? I also believe…