Question
I will be 65 in July, and I'm covered by my wife's hmo through her workplace. She is much younger than myself, 48 years young. I am wondering if I can continue to stay on her insurance, which is a family plan, or will I have to pick up medicare.
thank you
John
Answer
Hi John
Go to the local Social Security office and get a copy of MEDICARE AND YOU 2010.
It will answer many of the questions that you will have.
Go and enroll in Part A of Medicare in May or June. There is no cost to you and it helps out later on when you might have to reconsider coverage plans.
Part B and part D are a different story, you might not need them if you are on her plan and she is still working. Have her check with the administrator of the plan and see if the medical coverage and the prescription coverage is CREDITABLE COVERAGE when compared with Medicare parts B and D, If so get a copy of the Certificate of Creditable coverage and keep it in a safe place. You will then not have to get Parts B and D when you get part A in July. That would come when she stops work,
If it is not creditable coverage, you would then need to get parts B and D, If that happens, call the number in the center of the back cover of the Medicare and You 2010 and request to speak with a counselor.
john
