It seems I am not eligible for Medicare?

[BSdetect]

We came to the USA in 2003 and my wife has worked ever since full time, paying large amounts of taxes.

She is 10 years younger than me and I have not "worked" here unless you call raising three children work. Yes, I was a full time house dad - one of very few it appears.

So when I turned 65 I assumed that as in Australia I would qualify for a Medicare type cover.

Not in the backward USA I fear.

I regard this a sex discrimination.

If I am alive when my wife turns 61 I can get some sort of Medicare cover. Not sure about how much or any other details. Probably some Catch 22 will come up. And that is 6 years away.

I tied explaining this to my local Federal Dem rep's assistant but I think she missed the point completely and was rather dismissive.

Trying to contact with a human in the Dept of Medicare proved fruitless.

Am I barking up the wrong tree with this?

I feel we have paid a lot more taxes than most people and should be qualified to get Medicare but the work roles are designed for a patriarchal system only?

Anybody know how to proceed with this?

[SharonAnn]

1. That's one of the many reasons that I recommend people never make a "career" of raising a family.

1. No pay
2. No opportunity to set up good retirement savings
3. No personal eligibility to Social Security
4. And now, no personal eligibility for Medicare until spouse is eligible for Social Security?

[still_one]

4. Actually if the are a legal resident or citizen for at least 5 years, they can

still utilize Medicare. Their premium cost would depend on work credits. Maximum premium for Part A in 2016 was four hundred and some dollars. It would go down accordingly based on work credits

[doc03]

2. If you were working at 61 your wife couldn't get Medicare either at 65 if she never

paid into it. No sex discrimination there. Taxes are not SS payroll taxes, you must pay payroll taxes 40 quarters to be eligable for SS.

[ginnyinWI]

6. I will be getting it soon, on my husband's work record.

He worked and I was a full time homemaker. I had to go into the office today--couldn't apply online--but I'm getting Medicare. A person has to have worked for ten years to qualify, and he of course did. I had to answer a few questions and that was it.

I think you need to inquire further. Whoever told you that you couldn't get it might not know the whole story.

[BSdetect]

7. Well, thansk you for that info.

I am not sure where to go though.

As I wrote I could not see any way to speak to anyone online.

Will try to locate some office locally.

[still_one]

3. You are going to need to make an appointment with Social Security

you can try and call 1-800-772-1213.

Generally, if you're a U.S. citizen or have been a legal resident for at least 5 years, you can still get full Medicare benefits at age 65 or older by:

Paying premiums for Part A. The maximum premium was 411 in 2016, but it depends on your work credits. The more work credits you have, the less premium you pay.

Part B should be the same payment as normal qualifying Meicare recipeints, an is Part D.

You can enroll in Part B without buying Part A, but if you buy into A, you must enroll in B.

Paying the same monthly premiums for Part B, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services, as other enrollees pay.

Paying the same monthly premium for Part D prescription drug coverage as others enrolled in the drug plan you choose.

Check with Social security, make an in person appointment. you need to find out where you stand.

I know if I wanted to move to Canada or the UK or Ireland for example, it is not a given that I would have access to the NHS.

[BSdetect]

8. Thanks for the info.

Seems I was misled by someone who ought to know these matters.

[still_one]

10. The other alternative, but it is on very shakey grounds not is the ACA, which was suppossed deal

with cases that fell through the cracks.

[TexasProgresive]

5. doc03 has it right

My wife is older than me. She didn't have enough quarters (of a year) worked to qualify at 65. She had to wait for me to reach 65. Meanwhile she was covered by my employer provided medical insurance.

[BSdetect]

9. I'm covered by my wife's employer health scheme

But I was trying to find out f I could get medicare on principal.

I have no idea about parts a or b yet.

Thanks

[peacebuzzard]

12. There are guidelines for this on the Social Security website

And Medicare handbook.
If you are married ten years to a spouse paying the appropriate taxes I believe you qualify upon attaining the qualifying retirement age.
There is no gender disqualification.
You have to reach out to the SS administration for filing, which can be done by internet. There is an 800 number with live representatives. It can take quite some time for the research and filing!
Hope all this information is correct, and you are successful!