Medicare Part A and and FEHB

[RichardT153220]

My wife and I both work, I get medical coverage through my wife since she works for the government. This year in May I turn 65 but will still be working (as well as my wife). I am told that I can get Medicare Part A for free. Is that the case and are there benefits and or downsides to getting Medicare Part A with all this in mind?

RT

[LG322302]

My father in law worked for Social Security for 40 years. He and my mother in law both had/have FEHB during his employment and after he retired. My FIL signed up for Medicare part A but my MIL didn't (she was entitled to do so on his record but didn’t. We have no idea why other than they didn’t understand how this worked). When my FIL died in 2021, we signed my MIL up for Medicare part A when we realized she didn't have it. FEHB serves as her Part B, Part D and medigap all in one. She has the standard plan. Her annual deductible is $325. Since last January, she has broken her hip and suffered 3 TIA's and been hospitalized each time as well as being sent to rehab afterwards.  The combination of Medicare and FEHB has covered most of these costs. And FEHB paid a portion toward replacement hearing aids for her last year. As long as you both can continue to use FEHB after your wife retires, there is no need to sign up for Medicare part B, D or a medigap plan. Medicare part A is free (for now) and covers primarily inpatient room and board, rehab and hospice. 

[CameronB8094]

With FEHB, it will become secondary to Medicare.

As secondary, Medicare determines hospital reimbursements and access. Then FEHB helps (or pays) the deductible. With Medicare cutting reimbursements every year, the question is will your hospital or medical provider accept Medicare and its lower reimbursements. If no, what becomes your options. Example, GEHA rep told my friend to get Medicare Part B because all (almost) doctors accept it. His doctor dropped him. So, talk to your health care providers (and their insurance folks) to understand the impacts to you. 

[GailL1]

There isn’t a downside for having your FEHB and Medicare Part A - they will each pay their part of a claim that is covered by Part A Medicare.  You have already paid for Medicare Part A by your payroll deductions for Medicare thru the years.  

When you sign up for Part B then you will have to pay the Part B premium but that will be when you decide to stop working at your current job.

OPM.gov - Medicare and FEHB Enrollment 

[RichardT153220]

Are there any Pro's who can answer this? 

[sktn77a]

Well, were not "Pros" but as a rule when you turn 65, you go on Medicare as your primary provider and your employer picks up the secondary provider expenses. 

Don't know how this works when your/your wife's employer is the federal government(?)

[GailL1]

 @sktn77a 

If a person is STILL working and has group employer benefits either as an employee or their covered spouse, the size of the company usually determines whether Medicare (Part A ) is primary or secondary and whether or not one has to sign up for Part B or if they can delay it until they lose their employer group coverage (not retiree coverage.

Some links for you -

Medicare.gov - Working Past 65 and Signing up for Medicare 

Medicare.gov How Medicare Works with Other Insurance