Question
My wife age 62 and is in a mess. We live in Massachusetts and She was awarded permanent Social Security disability in 2001 due to a workingman's comp injury; she is now bedridden with a lot of medical expenses. At the time we knew nothing about her being awarded Medicare Part A , never received a card or ever was being offered Part B Medicare until early this year. WE had no problem with my United HealthCare Ins paying her bills until they found out about her being eligible for Medicare this year and now only pay benefits after estimating how much Medicare Part A and or B would have covered, they say we have to buy Part B ins. and they will be the secondary ins. Which is fine but I called Social Security and they said where I retired from UPS in 2002 with medical coverage for myself till age 65 which will be Jan. 2010 and my wife until she is 65, she has to pay 10% penalty for each year since 2001 and she cannot enroll in Part B till July of 2010 which is the worse part being without that coverage for 8 months which will add up quickly with pending back operations and a heart condition. I guess my question is can I get Social security Part B coverage earlier than July 2010
Thank You
Steve
Answer
Hi Steve
Sorry, but the Part B information is correct. Enroll in Jan-Feb-March and it starts in July.
Call my counterpart in you State. That is the Medicare SHIP program nearest you. Number is 1-800-243-4636. Contact them and request a conference with an experienced counselor.
Things to check out.
do a benefits.com check
will she be eligible for the limited income subsidy for part D
the Medicare savings program
does your State require insurance plans to cover persons with disabilities under 65
if you were in service, go to the VA site and click on pensions
is there a PACE program in your area
possible Medicaid coverage, such as spend down
Too hard to do by e-mail, and you would not want that personal information going on the net.
John
