Q & A
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…
Is there a fee to change my name in the Social Security records?
Full Question: I looked for instructions to change my name on my Social Security card and found a website that charged money for this. A friend said changing my name with SSA is free. Is it? Answer: Yes, it is free. Social…
Is There Any ‘Extra Help’ is available to cover Medicare Part D expenses?
Full Question: I have a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D). The premium is about $32 a month and I have copayments and co-insurances that vary according to the tier assigned to each medication. I take several prescription drugs, and it…
Do you have to pay income taxes on Social Security benefits?
Full Question: From what I’ve read, if a married couple has annual withdrawals from 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts or pensions that exceed a certain amount, the couple’s Social Security benefits may be taxed. Is that true? Answer: You’re absolutely right. When…
I’m trying to decide when to retire. Can Social Security help?
Answer: Deciding when to retire is a personal choice, and you should consider a number of factors, but we can certainly help. First, take a few minutes and open a My Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount With an account, you can…
I’ve decided I want to retire. How do I begin?
Answer: The fastest and easiest way to apply for retirement benefits is to go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. To use our online application to apply for Social Security retirement or spouse’s benefits, you must: Be at least 61 years and 9 months old; want…
A friend said I should tell Social Security my new address even through payments goes directly to my bank. Why?
Answer: Using regular mail, Social Security mails you information about your ongoing benefits. Correspondence is not sent by email. You can miss important information by not keeping your address current. You also have a responsibility to report some types of information…
My husband and I are not divorced but have lived apart for many years. Can I still receive Social Security through his record?
Answer: Living together is not required for Social Security spousal benefits as a wife or husband. Your individual Social Security Administration retirement amounts might prevent spousal benefits but living apart while married will not. In addition, having lived apart will not…