Medicare Part B — I am so confused

[Anonymous]

My dh recently retired from federal government under CSRS, with a really good pension. He signed up for Medicare since due to age he should. I carry our health coverage. Does he have to pick up Medicare part B? Or can he just keep part A? Part B is expensive.

[Anonymous]

In general, he should be able to wait on Part B as long as he is on your plan and your plan is through your active employment (not retiree). That said, there are exceptions. Check out the AARP website for more information. And you should double-check with your employer.

[Anonymous]

Try calling SHIP with these questions (Senior Health Insurance Assistance): 877-839-2675.

They offer free one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

[Anonymous]

If you have govt health insurance thru you or your DH, don't get part B. your health insurance will push you really hard to make you sign up and that's because if you have part B, it becomes the primary coverage and fed health insurance becomes the secondary. part A is free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have govt health insurance thru you or your DH, don't get part B. your health insurance will push you really hard to make you sign up and that's because if you have part B, it becomes the primary coverage and fed health insurance becomes the secondary. part A is free.

This. Are you a fed too? Did he qualify to keep access to his FEHBP in retirement?

[Anonymous]

Yes I am a Fed employee. Thanks this was helpful. There’s just so much non clear info out there and no one really to ask. He’s so hush hush about everything to everyone but me so I am scrambling to make sure he makes the right choice.

[Anonymous]

I'm on husband's insurance (not Fed) and had planned to stay there till he retires in a couple of years but I wonder if it would be cheaper if I switched to Part B. I will do the research but I'm curious if anyone else has considered this.