Q. In 1997, I retired from the federal government at age 58. I will soon be 74. When I became eligible for Medicare, I chose only Plan A, since most of Plan B would have duplicated my Blue Cross/Blue Shield benefits. My wife is 59, and went on Social Security disability in 2008. She chose only Plan A of Medicare for the above stated reason. Now, I am rethinking my situation. If we were to apply for Plan B, would we be required to pay the 10 percent annual penalty for each year because we chose not to take Plan B? If so, that would…
Browsing: spouse benefits
Q. I was employed by the federal government between 1978 and 1985. Both my first wife (as my dependent) and I were insured by the government plan. I worked in private business from 1986 to 2007, divorcing in 1997. I remarried in 2001. My second wife’s benefit plan was more extensive, and her plan covered me as a dependent for the past 12 years. I am still covered by her plan as a secondary. In 2007, I returned to the federal government, but did not take the Federal Employees Health Benefit plan, as I was still covered by my wife’s…
Q. I retired from the Postal Service on Jan. 31. I am 60 years old and I took the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority. I received an $11,000 annual leave payment, and the $10,000 buyout. I also receive a widow’s benefit from Social Security of $9,000. Will this money be counted as earned income on my income taxes against the $15,120 limit? I also receive the special retirement supplement.
Q. I am a federal employee with 32 years of service and covered by CSRS. I plan to carry Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage for myself into retirement. My spouse works (nonfederal) and receives health insurance coverage from her employer. 1. What is the minimum survivor annuity I am required to provide for my spouse to ensure she can continue coverage under FEHB in the event of my death? 2. Is my spouse required to be enrolled in the FEHB program at the time of my death to be eligible for coverage, or can she enroll in the program after…
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?
Q. I am a retired postal employee. My wife is entitled to receive health benefits through her private employer. I would like to switch my coverage from family to self only. I have survivor benefits for my wife. Should I die before she retires and loses private health insurance, is she able to pick up my Federal Employees Health Benefits?
Q. My father was a retired U.S. postal carrier. My mother was receiving his survivor benefits. My mother passed away and the funeral director is asking for the civil service number. My mother had direct deposit, and the bank said it doesn’t have this information. I have not located this information in going through her files. Where can I go for this information?
Q. I do not plan to provide a reduced annuity at retirement for my spouse (who has a lucrative retirement plan of his own). However, I would like to cover him on my Federal Employees Health Benefits plan at retirement. Is it true that you have to elect an annuity for the spouse to carry him/her on FEHB in addition to carrying FEHB for five years?
Q. I will be retiring with 18+ years of federal service in March at age 57 under MRA +10. I am a military retiree enrolled in Tricare Prime. I have been looking at what, if any, Federal Employees Health Benefits I should take. I know, at age 65, I will need to get Medicare Part A. But is using something available under FEHB my best option? Since I have never been enrolled by FEHB before, I know I have to get documentation from Tricare saying I have used them for at least five years. If I go with FEHB, can…
Q. I plan to continue my health insurance coverage (self only) under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program upon retirement. If my spouse is not enrolled in the program and something happens to me, can she enroll in the program after my death?