Medicare Support Group

This community is dedicated to discussing the pros and cons of Medicare, and how best to use Medicare to improve your health. Medicare is the name given to a health insurance program administered by the United States government, covering people who are either age 65 and over, or who meet other special criteria.

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Medicare and Social Security on the Chopping Block

bonusjack
bonusjack

I retired two years ago, and live entirely on Social Security and Medicare.   I am really worried that Congressmen Paul Ryan and the Freedom Caucus are going to cut the benefits.  What can I do?

Godhelp
Godhelp
I also am concerned . My husband just started collecting SS. He still works full time but i see this will be ending in next few yrs. I'm 10 yrs younger and not working for various reasons. IM freaked cause i think i've lost my credits to receive ss. Plus i always thought i could receive my husbands if i outlive him. But seriously the (gov) seem to be chipping away at it.
I think if your already collecting SS you would be ok. I think it's those who aren't claiming it yet that the change will apply to. But seriously I feel your pain.
ItsJustMe2012
ItsJustMe2012
Work credits for Social Security Retirement do not expire. As long as you have at least 40 work credits. You can apply for Early Retirement at age 62 until you reach Full Retirement Age. But your Early Retirement benefits will be reduced for the rest of your life. You will be eligible for Medicare at age 65.

At age 62 you can apply for Early Retirement based on your spouse credits. Your Early Retirement Benefits will be reduced. Medicare when you turn 65.

If you have at least 40 credits. You can apply for Retirement at Full Retirement Age. You can apply for Medicare at age 65.

You can apply on yours and his work records. But the most you will receive will be the max you would receive off of the highest paying record. For example, if you would receive $500 off of your work record and $1,000 off of your spouses work record. The most you could receive off of both records is $1,000..

Work credits do expire when you stop working for SSDI. The number of credits needed for SSDI depends on your age.

If you are unsure about how many credits you have. You can create an online account at www.ssa.gov. There you can find out how many credits you have. Also approximately how much your Full Retirement Age benefits will be.

Early Retirement-

https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/applying2.html
https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/applying6.html