I am 65 this month, my husband is 55 next month. I entered the work force in the fall of 2009. As of this year I have 31 SS credits out of 40. I was hoping to work to gain a maximum of 40 credits, but I may not be able to. I was informed by my local SS office that I am not eligible for Medicare based on these credit numbers. My husband's salary is much greater than mine. What's the best plan for us regarding SS and Medicare?

Hi,

U.S. citizens are eligible for Medicare at age 65 regardless of whether or not they've paid into Social Security. The question in your case is whether or not you would have to pay for Part A (Inpatient Hospital) Medicare coverage. People who are fully insured for Social Security benefits get Part A coverage for free, whereas others must pay a premium. However, since you have 30+ quarters of coverage (QC), you can get Part A coverage for a lower premium than you would otherwise have to pay. The current monthly premium rate for uninsured people with at least 30 QCs is $227, as opposed to $413 for those with fewer than 30 QCs.

By the way, everyone must pay a premium for optional Part B of Medicare. And, when your husband reaches age 62 or if he becomes eligible for disability benefits before then, you could then get your Part A coverage for free.

As for Social Security benefits, you can't get retirement benefits on your own work record unless you have 40 QCs. And, you can't get spousal benefits at least until your husband starts drawing either retirement or disability benefits. You and your husband may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website to determine your best strategy with regard to Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry