Social Security spousal benefits denied after GPO repeal - Medicare eligibility confusion

I dont think Medicare and SS benefits work the same way. Just cuz you got Medicare doesn't mean you automatically get spousal SS $$. GPO repeal is supposed to help people like you but maybe there's something else? Have you called them directly and asked? The wait times are insane but that's probably fastest way to get answers.

This is a complex situation that's creating confusion for many people following the GPO repeal. Let me clarify a few things: 1. Medicare eligibility as a spouse does NOT automatically establish a spousal benefit claim. They're separate programs with different rules. 2. Even with GPO repealed, there are still eligibility requirements for spousal benefits. Your husband must be currently receiving his own retirement or disability benefits for you to claim spousal benefits. 3. The implementation of the GPO repeal might also be causing processing delays or confusion at local offices as they adjust to the new rules. The most likely explanation is that your husband isn't currently receiving his own Social Security benefits, or there's a misunderstanding about the implementation timeline of the GPO repeal. The decision letter should explain the specific reason for denial.

The same thing happened to my mother!!! She worked for county government for 30 years, has pension, husband collects SS. Applied right after repeal and got denied too. The letter finally came and said something about "effective date of entitlement" being important. I think they're saying the repeal doesn't take effect immediately?? So confused.

I've been trying to get thru to SSA for WEEKS about my own GPO issues!!! This whole implementation is a MESS. Some offices seem to know whats happening others have no clue. The phone lines are impossible. Have you tried going in person to your local office?

You need to understand that your Medicare entitlement as a spouse is completely separate from cash benefits eligibility. That statement "entitled to monthly benefits as a dependent" is standard Medicare language and doesn't mean you're eligible for cash benefits. Most importantly, the GPO repeal implementation has a specific timeline. Benefits won't be adjusted automatically - you may need to reapply at the right time. When you receive your denial letter, it should specify the exact reason for denial and when you should reapply if it's related to the implementation schedule. In the meantime, I'd suggest requesting a reconsideration of the decision. You have 60 days from receiving the denial notice to file for reconsideration. Make specific reference to the Social Security Fairness Act and GPO repeal in your reconsideration request.

my wife had almost same situation but we FINALLY got through on phone after trying for days and they said the system updates for GPO repeal haven't been completed yet!!! they told her to reapply next month when everythings supposed to be fixed in their computer system. Maybe thats your issue too???

After struggling with similar SSA phone issues, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes! It basically navigates the SSA phone system for you and calls you back when it reaches an agent. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed answers about my application status. There's a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - definitely worth checking out if you're desperate to speak with someone about your case. Getting answers directly from SSA is critical with these GPO implementation questions.

UPDATE: My mom finally got through to someone and they told her the GPO repeal benefits start paying out in JULY 2025! So even though the law passed, they're still denying applications until then. Did anyone else hear this???