Question:  I have never worked and have been receiving Survivor Social Security benefits on my deceased husband’s account.  My youngest child will be 16 this year.  I have just learned that my Social Security check will stop at that time.  Is this correct?

 

Answer:  Yes.  Your survivor’s check will stop but your adult child will continue to receive a Social Security check, if unmarried, until age 18 or age 19 in an elementary or secondary school as a full time student.  You will be entitled to an unmarried widow’s check at age 60 or age 50 if disabled.

 

Question:  My wife will be 62 this year.  She has never worked and paid into Social Security.  I am younger than she is.  Can she file at age 62 in my Social Security and receive retirement benefits when she is 62?

 

Answer:  No.  For her to file on your Social Security record and receive retirement benefits you will need to be at retirement age, 62 or older, and file for Social Security Benefits.  At that time your wife will file for benefits on your record.

 

Question:  I retired at age 62 and receive a Retirement Social Security check. I will be 64 in 2008 and have the opportunity to return to work this year.  How much can I earn in 2008 and still receive my Social Security Check every month?

 

Answer:  In 2008 since you are under full retirement age you can earn $13,500 in gross wages on net self- employment income and receive your Social Security check every month.  If your earnings exceed the $13,500, $1.00 in benefits will be held for $2.00 in earnings you have above the annual benefit.

 

Question:  I have Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance.  I never enrolled in a Medicare Part B.  I am considering enrolling in a Medicare Managed Care Plan that requires me to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B.  When can I enroll in Medicare Part B?

 

Answer:  The Medicare Part B open enrollment period is from January 1st through March 31, 2008.  Since you did not enroll during your original enrollment period there will be a penalty for late enrollment.  Call Social Security Administration at the 1-800 number to enroll and at that time ask what your monthly Premium will be.  The Part B Premium will be deducted from your Social Security check each month.

 

Question:  I picked up a pamphlet at an HEB grocery store offering a program that I can get prescription drugs generic for $5.00 and brand name drugs fro $50.00 or less.  Is this a part of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program?

 

Answer:  No.  This program is offered by HEB through their pharmacy.  It is not a part of Medicare Part D Prescription drug program.  This is an update on a program that HEB has offered in the past.  There are other companies and pharmacies that offer similar programs.  This is HEB’s new Platinum Rewards Program.  There is a $5.00 fee to enroll in the program and at the present time there is no enrollment deadline.  Participants in the program must be 18 years or older to enroll and one card can include the whole family.  Discounts are offered on all brand name and generic drug.  The usual cost of $5.00 for commonly prescribed dosages of generic prescription drugs up to a 30 day supply or $9.99 for a 90 day supply.  This program is not an insurance and does not provide insurance coverage.  There are other companies that offer similar drug programs through their pharmacies.  These programs are not the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.  Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer similar programs. 

 

Question:  Can the Medicare Part B deductible and the monthly premium I paid in 2007 be deducted as a Medical expense on my income tax return?

 

Answer:  Yes.  These expenses are considered medical expenses and can be deducted when you fill your 2007 Income Tax return.  Remember your medical expenses must exceed 7.5 percent of your gross income and all deductions must be returned.  You do not use the standard deduction.  Contact the Internal Revenue Service for information about deductible items and forms you will need to file.

 

Question:  I read that the HEB prescription drug Platinum Rewards Program offers some drug coverage for pets.  Do I need to sign my pet up on my card?  Will I need a prescription from my dog’s veterinarian to secure my pets medication?

 

Answer:  You can sign up for coverage of your pet at anytime.  Yes, you will need a prescription for your pet’s medication.  Remember some vets use a combination of human,-veterinary only compounded medication for your pets condition.  More than 600 drugs used to treat pets are human drugs and can be purchased at a pharmacy.  This program does not include veterinary only medications used for the treatment of leas, ticks, heartworms and other medical conditions.  This program is not an insurance policy.