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We are going in to Social Security on Monday just to find out our options because the info given us over the phone just doesn't pass the smell test.

I think age 70-1/2 is when you get socked if you keep on working. I'll see if I still enjoy it by then. She does not have enough work credits to claim social security in her own right, but I am not sure that applies to medicare. It is supposed to be a separate program not based on work credits, isn't it?

Depending on where you live, Social Security can be a big help. They can tell you right away about her Medicare status. I could be wrong about your getting socked for working after 70 1/2. I still work—a little—and every year my Social Security gets bumped up because of it—a very little. I do believe (and could be wrong, so ask them) that SS benefits don’t keep going up if you defer claiming them after a certain age. You do have to starte drawing down IRAs after 70 1/2.

When I went into SS, I was struck by how few geezers/geezerettes were in the waiting room. Seems like everyone else there was drawing disability. And don’t even think about using a cell phone inside the office. Good luck.

“”She does not have enough work credits to claim social security in her own right, but I am not sure that applies to medicare. It is supposed to be a separate program not based on work credits, isn’t it?”

That is something I’ve never had to look into. I helped a friend who wasn’t 65 looking into filing at 62 and continuing to work but not this. I don’t have any idea. Medicare is automatic when a person files for SS - Part A is automatic and Part B is choice. If a woman files on her husband’s SS, that’s hazy to me. I know my sister in law did it but I never understood it. I guess a wife can also file on her divorced husband’s SS and vice versa...

I remember how surprised I was a few years back to hear that someone on Medicaid also was eligible for Medicare. I think it was in the news about someone on both - that wasn’t the story but I wondered at the time HOW on earth does that happen? I looked it up and I think it was AFTER 2 years on Medicaid, a person goes on Medicare also.

Anything and everything you ever wanted to know is online but understanding it is something else. I think the people who make the rules should be paraded in front of the country so we could all see where this stuff comes from.