Q. I’ve been retired from for a year and soon will be 65. I have to keep medical for my wife, so if I keep a family plan under Federal Employees Health Benefits, do I need to pay for Medicare Part B? If not, can I apply for it in the future without a penalty after my wife turns 65?
A. No, you cannot apply for Medicare Part B at a later date without penalty. The fact that your wife is not yet eligible for Medicare is irrelevant. The decision to take or turn down Part B is a personal one.
