Hi, Larry, thanks for taking the time. I'm trying to plan for my wife's future Medical costs. The Medicare website (https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-a-costs) says that part A is free if "You already get retirement benefits from Social Security". At FRA, she will receive spousal benefits (she will not qualify for her own retirement benefits as she does not have enough credits). My question is - do spousal benefits qualify as 'retirement benefits'?

Hi,

Yes, as long as your wife qualifies for spousal benefits and is at least age 65 she can enroll in Part A of Medicare with no premium required. Even if neither of you are drawing benefits yet, your wife could enroll in premium free Part A of Medicare as early as age 65 as long as you're at least age 62 at that time.

Best, Jerry