Is group health coverage available to an employee's spouse that is Medicare-eligible?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the spouse is under 65
• D. Only if the spouse is not Medicare-eligible

Answer: (A)

Medicare eligibility does not disqualify a spouse from being covered by an employer’s group health plan. If the employer offers group coverage, the spouse can be added as a dependent even when they qualify for Medicare. In practice, both coverages can exist together, with coordination of benefits determining who pays first (often the group plan is primary for those with a qualifying employer plan, and Medicare serves as secondary). The exact arrangement depends on the plan rules and the number of employees, but the essential point is that being Medicare-eligible does not prevent enrollment in the employee’s group health coverage.