Q. My mother never worked, but is about to turn 65. Will she be entitled to Medicare (my father is deceased)? Thank you

A. If you father earned the required credits under social security your mother may qualify to receive her Medicare Benefits under his social security number.

You will need to contact Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Social Security Office to check if she qualifies.

If your father retired from the Railroad Retirement Board, (RRB), you must call 1-800-808-0772 or the local office.

Q.My father-in-law (age 80) has lived overseas most of his life, and therefore did not contribute to Social Security. He is coming back to this country to live with my husband and me and our children. I guess since he never paid S.S. he is not eligible. Is this true? Is there any type of coverage we could get for him at this age?

A. Yes this is true because your Father-in-law did not contribute to Social Security he has not accumulated enough credits to be eligible for the Part A - Hospitalization.

However he can purchase Part A benefits directly from Social Security. You will need to contact Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or your local office for more information about buying Medicare Part A.

In order for him to qualify for coverage he would have to obtain the Part A and can choose to have the Part B in place for Traditional Medicare Coverage. In order to purchase a Medigap Plan or Enroll in a Medicare + Choice plan, (HMO), he would need both Part A&B.

The reason he needs both parts is because the Insurance Company is going to cover for both. You cannot purchase supplemental coverage for one part either way.