I am an Army veteran living in Germany. My wife is a German national who had resident alien status, and lived and worked in the U.S. for about 5 years. She has her own SSN.
I am planning a packet for my wife to prepare her for my demise. One of the steps I need to describe is the action necessary to retain her Tricare health benefits and draw my SS benefits after my death.
She does not turn 65 until 2025.
Please respond to the following questions:
I understand that she automatically retains Tricare benefits until age 65 when she must apply for Medicare Type B in order to retain these benefits. Does she apply for Medicare B with her SSN or mine?
Is she eligible for Medicare Type A?
Thank you!

Hi. I'm sorry, but my expertise is limited to Social Security benefits. I am familiar with the regulations for Medicare enrollment, but I don't know anything about Tricare.

Here is what I can tell you. If either you or your wife are insured for Social Security retirement benefits (i.e. if you have at least 40 quarters of U.S. Social Security coverage), then she could qualify for Parts A & B of Medicare when she reaches age 65. If your wife has 40 quarters of coverage, she'd file under her own SSN. But, if only you have 40 quarters of coverage, then she'd need to apply under your SSN.

Best, Jerry