Non-working spouses and Part A of Medicare

Bob – Pennsylvania: My wife turned 65 but does not have enough quarters of Social Security work earnings (40 quarters) to qualify for premium-free Part A of Medicare. However, I understand that she can piggy-back on my Medicare when I turn 65. Even though she doesn’t have the required time, does she still need to sign up?

Phil Moeller: Yes, she does need to sign up at 65 if she is not covered by an active employer plan. The good news here is that she already qualifies for premium-free Part A based on your record. You don’t need to have filed for her to qualify, but only need to be eligible to file. This occurred when you turned 62, which is the earliest Social Security filing date for people without disabilities.