Q & A
Can I Still Collect Divorced Spouse’s Benefits if I Marry My Civil Union Partner?
Full Question: I am getting laid off and would like to collect my ex-husband’s Social Security when I am 66. I am 64 now, and am not remarried. My ex is still alive. I am also considering marriage to my civil union…
How Are Social Security Benefits Taxed?
Answer: One thing that many new retirees forget is that they may need to pay taxes on a portion of their Social Security benefits. These benefits include monthly retirement, disability, and survivor payments — but not supplemental security income (SSI)…
What are the ramifications of divorce on Social Security claiming strategies?
Full Question: I will turn 62 in November. My wife has been the principal wage earner over the past 25 years while I raised our now adult children. I worked as a self-employed manufacturers’ representative from 1991 to 2007. From 1976…
Does Medicare cover outpatient counseling or therapy sessions for seniors?
Full Question: Does Medicare cover outpatient counseling or therapy sessions for seniors? Since retiring, my husband has really struggled with depression and needs to get some help. What can you tell us? Answer: Yes, Medicare recently upgraded its coverage of outpatient mental…
What are the differences between “Original Medicare” and “Medicare advantage?”
Answer: People with Medicare can get their health coverage either through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Here’s a look at the differences between these to options.Read more… Source: Medicare Rights Center Notice: The “Read more…” link provided above…
What are “guaranteed issue rights?”
Answer: Guaranteed issue rights (also called “Medigap protections”) are rights you have in certain situations when insurance companies must offer you certain Medigap policies. In these situations, an insurance company: Must sell you a Medigap policy Must cover all your pre-existing health…
How do I call 1-800-MEDICARE about a claim?
Answer: First, say “claims” to the automated system if you’re calling about: – An issue with a Medicare claim (like a question about a covered or non-covered service) – Your “Medicare Summary Notice” (MSN) (like why the MSN shows the claim…
How does Medicare handle ambulance service claims?
Answer: Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers ambulance services to or from a hospital, critical access hospital (CAH), or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) only when other transportation could endanger your health. In some cases, Medicare may also cover ambulance services…
What are “Social Security Offsets,” and how are they applied?
Answer: There are some provisions of Social Security law that impact only a small portion of the population, but they cause more confusion than just about any other Social Security rule. I have explained these provisions many times in this column.…
I’m getting remarried. How will this affect my Social Security benefits?
Answer: If you’re receiving benefits based on your own work record, your benefits will continue. If you’re receiving spousal benefits based on your former spouse’s work record, those benefits will generally end upon your getting remarried, but you may be able…