Does filing a restricted application on my spouse's benefits (she will be 70, I will be 68) enroll me in Medicare Part A or B? I want to keep working til I'm 70 and file for full benefits then; my employer has a group health plan that I prefer over Medicare.

thank you

Hi,

You would automatically be enrolled in Part A of Medicare effective 6 months prior to the month you file your application for spousal benefits, but no earlier than the month you reach age 65. You are not permitted to decline enrollment in Part A of Medicare if you file for any type of monthly Social Security benefits after reaching age 65. However, if you continue working and your employer has at least 20 employees, your employer group health plan (EGHP) should continue to be your primary health coverage. Part A of Medicare could then provide supplemental coverage for any covered inpatient hospital charges you incur. Furthermore, Part A coverage is premium free provided that you are eligible for monthly Social Security benefits.

Part B of Medicare is optional and you can delay signing up for that without any penalty as long as your EGHP continues to be your primary coverage.

Best, Jerry