Ask Larry

My wife currently receives Medicare coverage under her own social security number. When I began receiving my social security benefit, she also began receiving her spousal benefit. As a result, we were told her Medicare coverage would now be under my Medicare number. Is this correct and if so, how do we make sure she continues her Medicare coverage?

Hi,

Yes, assuming that your wife isn't already receiving benefits on her own record. A person's Medicare number corresponds to the account on which they're drawing benefits. If they aren't drawing benefits and are enrolled for Medicare only, their Medicare number is generally set up under their own Social Security number (SSN). And if they are dually entitled, as in the case of a person entitled to benefits on their own account and also receiving an excess spousal benefit, their Medicare would be set up under their own SSN.

However, regardless of any changes in a person's Medicare number their coverage stays the same unless they choose to change it, so that shouldn't be a concern for your wife.

Best, Jerry