Q & A
What’s required to register a student in school? Can schools require birth certificates and Social Security numbers? What if a student doesn’t have them?
Answer: Four different proofs are required to register a student: of health-related exams, immunizations, age and residency. Proving health exams and immunizations is done through forms signed by official “health care providers.” Proving age and residency can be done in a variety…
Can You Double Up on Spousal Benefits?
Answer: Of all the issues related to Social Security, few are as complicated as the rules surrounding marriage, divorce, and remarriage. In fact, if you weren’t careful about reading them, you’d be excused for thinking that some people are able to…
I am a federal employee, 66 years old, planning to retire Jan. 3. I now have full coverage under Blue Cross Blue Shield for me and my husband. I understand that when I retire, I must sign up for Medicare Part A, but I am not sure about part B. If I elect to take Medicare Part B, and have BCBS as my supplement, may I still purchase my prescriptions through CVS Care Mark after I retire? Can you tell me the monthly cost for my spouse and myself to continue with full coverage under BCBS?
Answer: Whether or not you enroll in Medicare Part B, you can continue to order your prescriptions from your FEHB provider. The premium rates for non-Postal Service retirees are the same as they were when employed. Postal Service retirees pay more…
I recently divorced. My ex-husband joined the military in 1988, we married in 1991, and he retired from service in 2008. Am I correct in thinking that I fall under the “20/20/15” rule for post-divorce Tricare coverage?
Answer: That’s correct. Your ex-husband served in uniform for at least 20 years, your marriage lasted at least 20 years, but his service and your marriage overlapped by only 17 years. So you fall under the 20/20/15 rule that grants former…
Tricare: What are the implications of Medicare Part B enrollment?
Full Question: I am retired from the Air National Guard, enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and using Tricare for Life. My wife will soon turn 65. She has a health plan provided by her employer and intends to keep…
What is not covered by Medicare?
Answer: One of the most frequently asked questions by Medicare beneficiaries involves “Is this service or item covered by Medicare?” The Medicare program and associated Medicare health plans are extremely complex and most mature adults have difficulty understanding and remembering all…
When you break up a marriage, is it true that you’ll lose Social Security benefits as an ex-spouse?
Answer: You might think so, but you’re still entitled to them, given certain conditions.According to Rob Kron in his blog post for BlackRock BLK +0.31%, you need not be married to collect spousal or survivor benefits. Since your spousal/survivor benefits are based on your ex’s earnings history,…
My dad is finding it hard to pay for the prescription drugs he needs even though he has Medicare prescription coverage. Is there something else we can do?
Answer: If your father has limited income and resources, he may be eligible for extra help with Medicare prescription costs. This extra help’s estimated worth is about $4,000 per year toward his prescription costs. He can both learn whether he qualifies…
I’m thinking about getting disability protection from a private company. If I become disabled and have a private policy, would it reduce my Social Security disability benefit?
Answer: No. Having private insurance does not affect your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.But, you may be interested to know that workers’ compensation and certain other public disability payments may affect your Social Security benefit. You can learn more and…
Do I have to give my Social Security number whenever I’m asked?
Answer: No. Giving your Social Security number is voluntary. If requested, you should ask why the person needs your Social Security number, how it will be used, what law requires you to give your number, and what the consequences are if…