Original Medicare is federal health coverage for those 65 and older and for those younger than 65 with a disability, but what happens with a younger spouse’s health coverage when you enroll in Medicare? Many Medicare-eligible citizens wonder whether their younger spouse (especially non-working younger spouse) will be covered by Medicare.
Does Medicare Cover Younger Spouses?
Medicare does not cover younger spouses, unless they have a disability, until they turn 65. There are a few options for your younger spouse to maintain health insurance, especially if they do not have their own job-based insurance:
- You can continue working until your younger spouse meets Medicare requirements, and delay your Part B enrollment
- You can enroll your spouse in your retiree insurance (if eligible), possibly delaying Part B
- Your younger spouse can gain employment that offers job-based insurance
- Your spouse can get a quote for an individual health plan
and more than likely enroll with a Special Enrollment Period
Does Medigap Cover Younger Spouses?
Not only does Medigap not cover younger spouses, it also can be difficult and rather expensive to enroll in before 65 with a disability.
If you decide to enroll in Medicare when you’re first eligible at 65, Medigap can fill in the gaps of Original Medicare. Some of these gaps are Medicare’s deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and an additional 365 hospitalization days.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Younger Spouses?
Medicare Advantage does not cover younger spouses that are not eligible for Medicare. However, younger spouses who have a disability can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
This might be a good choice for a younger spouse to limit their out of pocket costs and have extras offered like drug, hearing, vision, and dental coverage. The only real downside is they would be limited to a local, HMO network, instead of the nationwide Medicare/Medigap network.
To learn more call one of our licensed agents at 800-930-7956.