I did not pay into medicare, will I be able to qualify for it through my deceased spouse?

Question

My spouse paid into social security/medicare.

Answer 1

Medicare can be extremelyconfusing!
If you want to talk to "real people"--who are familiar with the nuances of Medicare and are good at listening to seniors and caregivers and at cutting through the red tape, I would highly recommend that you connect with your local Area Agency on Aging.

These groups are one of the best kept secrets around for older Americans and their families who are seeking information on Medicare and other kinds of consumer questions. There is one where you live, since this is a national network. The staff there will visit with you and guide you to information you need to answer your question. Since they talk with seniors and caregivers every day--and answer lots of questions--they will know the "scoop" on the Medicare and can offer perspectives concerning what your next steps might be. If they don't know the answer to a question--they will know the person who can provide the answer...

You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the Area Agency serving you. When you call your local Area Agency on Aging, ask for the "Information and Assistance" staff person who deals with Medicare-related issues.

Another thing to know is that Area Agencies on Aging have resources and support services that help older Americans and their caregivers. You might find other helpful information by making this call.

If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know, too. Area Agencies on Aging don't have big budgets--their funding comes from the Older Americans Act and appropriations have not increased for years! Your voluntary financial contribution of any amount--which is absolutely not required to get the help you need to answer this question--would certainly be appreciated.

Hope this helps. Good luck and best wishes!

Answer 2

Click on the below link for basic information on Medicare.

Answer 3

If you are receiving social security on his record, you should be paying into medicare if you're old enough.

Answer 4

You need to find out if you're the beneficiary.