Does Medicare Cover Your Spouse?

Medicare doesn’t provide benefits for your spouse, partner, or significant other. But once they turn 65, or are under 65 and have a disability, your spouse would be eligible to enroll in their own Medicare plan.

Medicare Coverage for Your Family

Did you know that your husband, wife, or other family members aren’t covered under your Medicare plan? Although group insurance policies through your employer typically offer options for family coverage, you may be wondering whether Medicare offers spousal coverage. While managing a policy may be easier when everyone in the family can be included in one policy, Medicare coverage is individual coverage. If you and your spouse both qualify for Medicare, you would need to enroll as an individual.

When it comes to spousal coverage, Medicare insurance plans only cover the individual listed on the plan. This means that you are not able to share benefits with your spouse, other family members or anyone who is not on the plan. Each plan is designed for individual coverage. If your spouse would like to take part in Medicare, they will need to meet the eligibility requirements on their own and obtain an individual plan.

Before discussing Medicare and spousal coverage, however, it’s first important to understand the qualifications necessary to enroll in Medicare. The Medicare program was initially designed to assist seniors and retirees in obtaining insurance coverage for medical expenses. Today, the program covers these individuals, but it also includes eligibility for certain Americans with qualifying disabilities under the age of 65.

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Medicare’s Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for Medicare coverage, you must be at least 65 years old or be qualified to receive Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. If you’re enrolling in Medicare due to age, you may enroll in Medicare beginning three months before the month of your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, or within the three months following your 65th birthday. This is referred to as the initial enrollment period.

Can You Pass Along Medicare Benefits?

Some traditional insurance products offer the ability to continue benefits for family members listed on the policy following the policyholder’s death. Medicare insurance does not provide an option for coverage after death. Because each plan applies only to the individual to whom the plan was issued, benefits can’t be passed on to others upon death or for any other reason.

TIP: Discover the top 7 reasons to switch your Medicare Advantage plan.

Can You Share Medical Devices or Prescriptions?

Although you can’t share coverage, some Medicare recipients feel inclined to seek out care and share their medical devices and prescriptions with others. Doing this may be a criminal offense, and it may also result in serious fines and penalties if you are caught.

As such, you should never share items obtained through Medicare coverage with others. Beyond the potential for criminal and civil penalties, you could be jeopardizing someone else’s health by providing prescribed medications and devices to someone who has not obtained a prescription.

How can My Spouse Obtain Coverage?

Because Medicare benefits can’t be shared between spouses, each individual in a marriage will need to obtain their own plan. If your spouse has met all of the eligibility requirements for Medicare, they will need to enroll online or work with a Licensed Insurance Agent to discuss their individual needs.

TIP: Use our Plan Finder to help you discover Medicare plans available in your area.