Sheepdip

The threads that have been posted recently about health care and retirement have got me thinking. When I retire I should have completed over 10 years of contributions so therefore eligible for Medicare (should I need it) but what about my wife who is a stay at home mother? Is she eligible through my contributions or do I need to get her a job!

Michael

Just like social security, the spouse gets covered on the other spouses eligibility. However if the spouse is older than the eligible person, the spouse will not be covered until the eligible person reaches 65.

http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareElig...nguage=English

Sheepdip

Thanks!

Bob

What happens when the principle person dies and the other remarries though? Do they lose out or not? I thought they did in that instance?

Michael

I think they are still covered. When you retire and go to the social security office to file for social security and medicare, they ask you questions about your ex spouse(s) such as his or her maiden name, how long your were married, and when your were divorced so I assume that information is collected to determine if you are eligible to collect on the other persons qualifications. In my case I couldn't remember that information but they didn't press the issue since I suspect it was because I already qualified for maximum benefits.