My wife's date of birth is September 10, 1956. My date of birth is March 11, 1950. She wishes to file for her Social Security benefit in September 2018, at age 62. I plan to wait until age 70 to file for my benefit. I am paying my monthly Medicare Part B premium ($134) by bank draft. After she files next year, I would like to file a restricted application for a spousal benefit based on her work record. Will Medicare automatically begin to deduct my Part B premium from my spousal benefit, or do I have a choice in the matter? Will the premium amount remain the same ($134) if it is deducted from my spousal benefit? Many thanks for your help.

Hi,

Yes, your Part B premiums will be deducted from your benefits when you start drawing spousal benefits, and you won't be given an option to continue paying your premiums as opposed to having them withheld. The fact that your premiums will be withheld will have no immediate effect on your Part B premium rate, but could result in a lower than standard rate starting in 2019 due to the 'hold harmless' provision (https://www.ssa.gov/news/cola/2011/factsheet.pdf).

FYI, when you become entitled to spousal benefits your Medicare number will change to your wife's Social Security number (SSN) followed by 'B1'. Your Medicare number will then change back to your own SSN followed by the letter A when you switch to drawing on your own record at age 70. None of those changes will affect your Medicare coverage, however.

Best, Jerry