Hi Larry. I am 61 and have a good job and insurance. I could retire as soon as my wife (60) can get affordable medical insurance. She has been a house wife and volunteer for >10 years but is now unable to work due to severe anemia.
Could she qualify for SS disability and/or Medicare before she turns 65?

Hi,

Your wife would need to have enough work credits to be insured in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, and unless she qualifies for disability benefits she can't get Medicare until she reaches age 65.

In order to be insured for disability benefits, your wife would need to have the equivalent of at least 1 quarter of coverage (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/QC.html) for each calendar year starting with the year she turned age 22 and ending with the year she became disabled. And, at least 20 of her quarters of coverage would need to have been earned during the 10 year period ending with the onset of her disability.

Your wife can't receive spousal benefits until she is at least age 62 and you are drawing your benefits. Even if you aren't drawing benefits, though, as long as you have 40 quarters of coverage she could get Medicare based on your record when she reaches age 65.

You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore your filing options and determine the best overall strategy for you and your wife.

Best, Jerry