Wife has never worked and above 65 yrs .. Can she get Medicare Part A free?

[cyber888]

Just a question, for the past 20+ years, my wife was always part of my Employer healthcare group plan. But now, I'm scared that she might get penalized if she does not shift to Medicare. She's 68 yrs old now, and I'm 55 yrs (so can't get Social security). She has never worked, and always a housewife.

We always file taxes as a couple with me paying social security and medicare taxes for the past 20+ years

Can she get Free Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). Should we apply now ?

 

[VanWinkle]

Just a quick google search shows the following:

"If Your Non-Working Spouse is Older. Your older spouse may qualify for Medicare on your work record at age 65, even if you're not getting Social Security or Medicare yourself—but only if you are at least 62 years old. That's because you qualify for Social Security at age 62."

Take it for what it is worth, I am not an expert.

 

[nate2953]

She can get Medicare Part A for free once you turn 62, but she’ll have to pay for reduced premium part A while you are under 62.

 

[cyber888]

She can get Medicare Part A for free once you turn 62, but she’ll have to pay for reduced premium part A while you are under 62.

Thanks. So, she can get a reduced premium ? I've never read that. But I guess we will go to an SS office and ask

 

[nate2953]

She can get Reduced Premium Part A, but likely you’ll find waiting until 62 to get it for free to be your better bet. There’s no penalty for Free Part A, so just wait until you turn 62, unless you want to pay $240/month for Part A in addition to your work health insurance