A Medicare Question
Hello Terry,
My wife is turning 65 this coming January (1/31/2027). She has been collecting Social Security Survivor Benefits for about 18 months due to a deceased spouse from a previous marriage. She works at a local school district and plans to retire in June of 2028. I am 63 and working full time at a company with a great Blue Cross PPO health plan that covers both me and my wife.
Last week she received a “It’s time to choose your Medicare coverage” letter from the Department of Health and Human Services. It included a Medicare Health Insurance card with her name, a Medicare Member Number and it lists Part A and Part B with coverage start dates of 01-01-2027.
Sounds like she will be automatically enrolled.
Since we are both covered by the Blue Cross PPO health plan at my work, it’s my understanding that she doesn’t need Medicare at this time until and unless we lose the coverage provided by the company I work for. Can you please confirm this?
Next, I’ve heard that some people take Part A (at no cost) as a supplement to their BCBS coverage from work. Neither of us contribute to an HSA and have no plans to do so. Would you recommend she takes Part A as a supplement, and are there any drawbacks to doing that besides not being able to contribute to an HSA?
Thank you for your time, it is much appreciated.
Terry Says
If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, Medicare will automatically enroll you in Part A and Part B. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you approximately three months before your coverage starts.
And this is what I found you should do if you don’t want Part B to opt out of it. (If you’re not contributing to an HSA, she can keep part A — but check with your HR department as to whether she should opt out of this, as well, or whether it becomes the primary payer if hospitalization is needed.)
On the back of the Medicare card, check the box that says “I do NOT want Part B (Medical Insurance).
Sign the back of the card.
Send the entire card (including the signed back) back in the enclosed envelope before the coverage start date listed on the front of the card.
Medicare will send you a new card showing you have Part A only.
Keep your Medicare number from the front of the card in case you need hospital services before the new card arrives
If you miss the opt-out window and if you send the card after the coverage start date, you must submit Form CMS‑1763 to request a change in coverage. This can be done online or by mail, but you’ll need to do it promptly to avoid penalties.
