Question: I turn 65 in February and I will be eligible for Medicare. Can I stay in Covered California instead?
Answer: You cannot purchase a Covered California health plan with premium assistance if you are eligible for Medicare. Without premium assistance, coverage through Covered California for a 65 year-old is much more expensive than Medicare. However, if your income is very low, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal in addition to Medicare. The Covered California application automatically checks to see if consumers qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal will help pay for Medicare premiums and cost-sharing requirements. Medi-Cal may cover additional benefits, such as dental services, nursing home care, and personal care services. Medi-Cal may also provide extra financial assistance to help with the cost of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
Roberta, Yes. Your income will increase by $20,000. This will reduce the amount of premium assistance for which you are eligible.
I want to take enough out of my 401K to buy a car (mine is dying). I get subsidized premiums. If I withdraw $20,000 does that affect my insurance.
Hi Jerry - When you turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare, you wife will continue to receive premium assistance based on your household income.
this is regarding the question “I turn 65 in February and I will be eligible for Medicare. Can I stay in Covered California instead?” While this doesn’t affect me this year, it will in the future. I’m being optimistic.
I understand that the year that I turn 65 I won’t be eligible. I am retired, married and on a fixed income. I am the primary for all of our retirement income.
We will be on different plans but still as a family. My wife is 21 months younger than I am.
When I turn 65 I’m assuming she will still be covered, but how do we look at the income? she does not work.