Browsing: Medicare

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 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 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…

Q: Dialysis for End Stage Renal Disease is covered by Medicare. Is it Part A or Part B that covers this treatment? A: Part A for regular dialysis, Part B for chronic dialysis.

Q. My mother just came to me and showed me her Social Security statement. She asked: “Why are they deducting $96.50 for monthly Medicare insurance when I have full medical coverage from the Navy?” She is an 86-year-old Navy veteran, and my father, who passed away three years ago, was retired from the Navy. Is this something she should be paying? A. She appears to have signed up for Medicare Part B (medical insurance), for which she would be required to pay the premiums.

Q. I plan to retire in a few years. I am currently 67 years old, participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield and am enrolled in Medicare Part A, which is free and required at 65. I do not wish to participate in Medicare Part B because, from the way I see it, I would be paying for two primary insurers even when I retire. Am I entitled to continue with my FEHB as my primary coverage, and would I be entitled to the same choices as though I were still working for the…

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