Let’s talk about the nightmare scenario that hits couples approaching retirement. One hits 65 and gets Medicare, while the other is left in healthcare limbo.

Here’s how to navigate this mess without destroying your retirement savings. 💰

The Basic Rules of the Game

First, understand this: Medicare is selfish. It doesn’t care about your family – it only covers individuals. No family plans here.

You qualify when:

• You hit age 65
• You have certain disabilities
• You have End-Stage Renal Disease

🙉: “B-but what about my younger spouse?”

Don’t panic. Let’s break down your options.

Options for Your Stranded Spouse

Smart couples have four main plays here:

1. Employer Insurance:

• Keep working
• Keep your spouse covered
• Check if your employer requires Medicare at 65

2. COBRA Coverage:

• Last resort option
• Lasts 18 months max
• Expensive as hell

3. Individual Plans:

• Health Insurance Marketplace
• Might get tax credits
• Bridge the gap until Medicare

4. Medicaid:

• Income-based option
• Available in expansion states
• Free/low-cost coverage

The Money Game

Here’s where it gets interesting. Your combined income affects Medicare costs:

• Part B starts at $174.70 monthly (2024)
• Rich couples pay more
• Part D varies by income and plan

The Working Spouse Strategy

If you’re still employed at 65:

• Keep your work insurance
• Delay Part B enrollment
• Avoid late penalties
• Cover your younger spouse

But watch out: Check your employer’s rules. Some kick you off at 65 regardless.

The Non-Working Spouse Hack

Here’s a loophole most people miss: Non-working spouses can qualify for premium-free Part A through their partner’s work history if:

• You’re married
• Divorced after 10+ years
• Widowed after 9+ months of marriage

The catch? The working spouse needs to be at least 62 and eligible for Social Security.

Planning Your Attack

Smart couples follow this playbook:

1. Immediate Action:

• Check employer benefits
• Calculate coverage gaps
• Review marketplace options

2. Near Future:

• Plan for transition periods
• Calculate COBRA costs
• Research individual plans

3. Long Term:

• Track income levels
• Monitor premium changes
• Adjust strategy yearly

Common Pitfalls

Don’t be this monkey:

• Assuming spouse coverage continues
• Missing enrollment deadlines
• Forgetting income impacts
• Ignoring plan restrictions

The Domestic Partner Curve Ball

Since 2015, same-sex partners get premium-free Part A. But unmarried partners still face:

• Late enrollment penalties
• No special enrollment periods
• Fewer benefits than married couples

Your Action Plan

1. Start Planning Early:

• Review all coverage options
• Calculate transition costs
• Check employer rules

2. Optimize Your Timing:

• Coordinate retirement dates
• Plan enrollment periods
• Minimize coverage gaps

3. Monitor Your Strategy:

• Track policy changes
• Review income impacts
• Adjust as needed

Bottom Line

Don’t let the Medicare age gap wreck your retirement. Plan ahead, understand your options, and be ready to adapt.

Remember: Healthcare is too expensive to wing it. Get your strategy locked down before you need it.

Smart couples treat this like a chess game, not checkers. Think three moves ahead and protect your queen (and your wallet).

Want to win this game? Focus on:

• Perfect timing
• Multiple coverage options
• Income management
• Regular strategy reviews

The system is complex by design. But now you know how to play it.