CRC Social Security & Medicare Benefits Flashcards
6 cards from real CRC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CRC Social Security & Medicare Benefits flashcards as text
A CRC client continues working past age 65 with employer-sponsored coverage. When must they enroll in Medicare to avoid a late penalty?
Answer: They can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period within 8 months of losing employer coverage without penalty
Workers covered by an employer group health plan can delay Medicare enrollment and use a Special Enrollment Period—they have 8 months after losing employer coverage to enroll penalty-free.
What is the Social Security 'windfall elimination provision' (WEP)?
Answer: A formula that reduces Social Security benefits for workers who also receive a pension from jobs not covered by Social Security
The WEP reduces Social Security benefits for workers who receive pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs (such as some government positions), preventing a disproportionately high benefit from the progressive benefit formula.
What is the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and how does it affect spousal Social Security benefits?
Answer: It reduces Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of a government pension from non-covered employment
The GPO reduces Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of any government pension received from non-Social Security-covered employment, often eliminating the spousal benefit entirely.
Up to what percentage of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax for higher-income beneficiaries?
Answer: 85%
Up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be included in federal taxable income for individuals with combined income above $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married filing jointly).
What is Medicare Advantage (Part C) and how does it differ from Original Medicare?
Answer: Private insurance plans approved by Medicare that provide Parts A and B benefits, often with added benefits and network restrictions
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance alternatives to Original Medicare that must cover all Part A and B services and often include Part D, dental, vision, and hearing, but typically use provider networks.
A widow aged 60 asks about Social Security survivor benefits. What is the earliest age she can claim a reduced survivor benefit?
Answer: Age 60
A surviving spouse can claim reduced Social Security survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), which is earlier than the age 62 minimum for retirement benefits.