Q & A
I am a FERS employee and may have to postpone my retirement without suffering the age penalty. I am over 59 with 28 years of service. If I postpone my retirement until age 60 and do not carry the optional insurance that I will have to pay for plus 2 percent, would I still be eligible to restart my Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage once my retirement begins. It will be almost six months that I will not have coverage. I have been enrolled in an insurance plan throughout my entire career. Also, if I am given separation papers involuntarily because of a transfer of function, could I resign and take an immediate retirement before 60 without penalty and also be eligible for the special retirement supplement?
Answer: If you retire under the MRA+10 provision and postpone the receipt of your annuity to reduce or eliminate the age penalty, you can re-enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program when your annuity begins. That’s true whether of not…
I have been on Federal Employees Health Benefits Medicare supplementary coverage with Aetna Consumer Plan for several years, covering my under-65 wife with a family plan. She turned 65 in September and chose a Medicare Advantage plan for herself. At open season in November, can I then revert to single status when I go on with the Aetna plan for myself?
Answer: Yes, you can. However, you ought to review her future combination of benefits to see if you’re making the right decision by dropping her from your plan. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com, October 24, 2014 Notice: The links provided above connect readers to…
When my spouse becomes eligible for Medicare (six years before me), how does my federal health insurance work in regard to his medical bills? Will Social Security be primary and my insurance pick up the difference in full?
Answer: For him, Medicare will be primary and his Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage secondary. You’ll have to check with your plan to find out if there are any benefits that aren’t covered in full. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com – October 24, 2013
If I delay drawing my Social Security until age 65, can I still receive the special retirement supplement past age 62?
Answer: The special retirement supplement ends at age 62, whether or not you apply for a Social Security benefit. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com – October 24, 2013 Notice: The links provided above connect readers to the full text of the posted question and its…
Does my Spouse’s Income Affect My Eligibility for Social Security?
Supplemental Security Income provides money to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter for aged or disabled people. If you have a spouse, their income may affect the amount of benefits you receive. “Deemed- Income” is the income…
When does the earnings test begin for special category retirees? I’ve heard either 56 or 57, depending on birth year. Is this indeed the case?
Answer: Yes. For special category retirees, the Social Security earnings limit applies when they reach their minimum retirement age. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com, October 21, 2013 Notice: The links provided above connect readers to the full text of the posted question and its…
What Is a “Trial Work Period” In Social Security Benefits’ Cases?
Answer: When you have been awarded Social Security disability insurance benefits, you are entitled to a 9 month “trial work period.” These months do not have to be consecutive months. You are entitled to a trial work period every 5 years. If you earn less…
Understanding Coordination of Benefits
Federal Employees Health Benefits program carriers are obligated to follow standard coordination of benefit rules established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in order to make sure that payments to providers and customers do not duplicate payments of…
I have been on Social Security disability for the past 10 years. I have Medicare Part A now. Part B was dropped because I needed the money. If I add back Part B, how much will it cost me each month? It was about $100 a month back then.
Answer: For most enrollees in 2013, the monthly premium is $104.90. If you re-enroll, your premium would be 10 percent higher than the basic premium for each 12-month period you could have been enrolled but weren’t. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com, October 21, 2013 …
I am retired with the Blue Cross/Blue Shield family plan, which also covers my wife. She will have survivor benefits after I die, assuming I go first. Will she be able to continue on BCBS as a “self” subscriber if I die first?
Answer: Yes. Source: http://blogs.federaltimes.com, October 18, 2013 Notice: The links provided above connect readers to the full text of the posted question and its response. The URL (internet address) for these link are valid on the posted date; socialsecurityreport.org cannot guarantee the…