Today I have the opportunity to become part of the FEDERAL system. I am required by my retirement system to be enrolled in Medicare by the first of the month I reach the magical age of 65. So, off I went to the social security office. What an adventure to say the least!
Being that the “local” office was at least a 40 minute drive away, I googled a map and took off. Of course, the roads had such small signs I did in fact get turned around and sort of lost once. Arriving at the office, after having to turn around and ask directions because the sign for the office is BEHIND a lovely shrub and cannot be seen easily, I parked and signed in. Trying to be efficient, I made sure I had my driver’s license ID, my social security card, my banking information and my husband’s death certificate. Try to be prepared.
Once I was able to talk to the first person, I was told that in order to process my application, they would need **TA_DA** the original marriage certificate. Now you understand my name is on the death certificate as spouse, but nooooooooooooo, need original certificate. We cannot process application without that document. So after asking if there was an easier way to return back to my home city, I was off again. Also, given the assurance that there were in fact “survivor’s” benefits available, it seemed worth my time and energy to make the additional round trip. Sounded like I was in for some good news.
Returned with proper paperwork and once again waited my “turn”. When I finally got to see someone, the first thing I was informed of was that it was a crime to give false information and that at the end of the interview I would be required to affirm that the information I have given was indeed the truth and nothing but the truth.
Having gotten through this part, I started the procedure to apply for widow’s benefits. Yes, I was the widow and yes there were benefits attached. BUT, since I receive a retirement income from a public retirement system that did not pay into social security, there was an offset penalty that **TA_DA** wipes out the benefit I would receive. Even though my spouse worked and contributed, there is a federal offset that says NOT for you. You worked your career with children, in education and therefore you don’t qualify for the additional benefit. Now, remember, my spouse is gone, my gross income has been cut by 2/3rds, but tough luck for you. When I questioned where the money he contributed would go, I was told it just went into the “system”. I guess this is how they fund all those folks that qualify even though they NEVER had anyone who contributed at all. I absolutely find this a terrible situation for anyone caught in this mess. Believe me, there will be other letters written to people at the federal level and my representatives to try to right this particular wrong. (Maybe I should just run for a seat in Congress and then I won’t have to worry because my retirement will increase dramatically after a few short terms in Washington.)
The good news that came out of it is two-fold. Because of my husbands contribution to the system, I will get Medicare Part A at no charge (could have been huge) and I will be able to participate in Part B just like everyone else for almost $100 a month, billed quarterly. (I’m billed because I don’t have a benefit check that the amount can be deducted from, even though I’m the widow of a beneficiary.) That’s ok, at least I have met the requirement of my retirement system by signing up for Medicare and will have medical benefits. Fortunately, I can keep my prescription plan with my retirement system so at least I get to keep something that I am used to using.
I wish I had been aware sooner. I’d have definitely taken on this issue. We treat our older citizens as second class citizens when it comes to medical care, some don’t even get the benefits that non-citizen residents qualify for. How nuts is that?!? I have every belief that my letters will be given stock answers (We’re trying. Can’t get it out of committee. It’s a system breaker.) It will make me feel better if I try at least.
That’s part of what I’ve learned. Part of my “Thoughts As I Age”.
