Scenario 5: I am 65 and not entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A based on my own work record (Social Security number). Am I eligible for TRICARE?
If applicable, you must file for benefits under your spouse’s (or former spouse’s) Social Security number if he or she is 62 years of age or older.
If your spouse or former spouse is not yet 62, you are eligible for TRICARE benefits. Because you aren’t entitled to premium-free Part A, you aren’t required to purchase Part B to remain eligible for TRICARE. However, if you expect to become eligible for premium free Medicare Part A on your spouse’s record at a date following your 65th birthday, you may want to enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible to avoid paying a higher Part B premium. Medicare Part B premiums increase 10 percent for each 12-month period that you could have enrolled, but chose not to.
|
