“”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.
If a person under 65 is on Medicaid they will not be on Medicare also unless disabled (with some other qualifying circumstances). If a person 65 or over is on Medicare they might get assistance from Medicaid for help paying Medicare premiums.