Medicare has three parts
According to Medicare Websitethe three parts of the program are:
- Medicare Part A: Covers hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Medicare Part B: Covers certain physician services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Medicare Part D: Covers the cost of prescription drugs and injections/vaccines.
Medicare details
Medicare should not be confused with Medicaid. A national federal health insurance program.
The program began in 1965 under the Social Security Administration and has been administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ever since.
The program is aimed at people age 65 and older, but younger people may also qualify if they have certain disabilities.
People with end-stage renal disease are also eligible regardless of age.
How to claim ex-spouse benefits, part 3
According to the SSA, if the divorce has been going on for at least two years, your ex-spouse is eligible to receive severance benefits on your record, even if you haven’t filed yet.
However, if you are eligible for retirement benefits, Social Security will pay that amount first.
If your benefits are higher, your ex will also take the additional amount from your record so that your benefit combination equals that higher amount.
If your ex-husband was born before January 2, 1954 and has reached full retirement age, you can choose to receive only divorced spousal benefits and defer receiving retirement benefits. I can.
If your ex-lover’s birthday is after January 2, 1954, the option to receive a one-time benefit at full retirement age lapses.
If your ex-spouse claims one benefit, he or she will claim all of your retirement or spousal benefits.
How to claim ex-spouse benefits (continued)
The maximum amount of spousal benefits is 50% of the amount your ex-spouse would receive upon reaching retirement age (FRA).
If you retire from FRA in 2022, your maximum monthly benefit is $3,345.
This means your ex-partner can receive up to $1,672.50 per month.
It is important to note that even if your ex-spouse claims benefits on record, the amount you receive will not be reduced.
To apply for spousal benefits after divorce, visit the SSA website, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office.
How to qualify for ex-spouse benefits
Former spouses are eligible to receive benefits on record if they fall into certain categories.
These include:
- Your marriage lasted more than 10 years.
- your ex-spouse is unmarried
- Your ex-spouse is over 62 years old
- The benefits your ex-spouse is entitled to based on his or her work are less than the benefits you receive based on your work.
- You are entitled to receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits
cola for new year
The 2024 cost of living adjustment (COLA) was announced in October as 3.2%. This means beneficiaries will experience an average increase of $58 per month.
Social Security and Medicare are funded through a payroll tax known as the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).
Taxable income increases from $160,200 to $168,600 in 2024. Social Security Administration.