Same-sex married couples now qualify for Medicare

For the first time ever, same-sex married couples can qualify for Medicare, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The Social Security Administration, which determines eligibility for people in Medicare, now will process requests for Medicare Part A and Part B special enrollment periods as well as reductions in Part B and premium Part A late enrollment penalties for certain eligible people in same-sex marriages. Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled section three of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The HHS announcement acts as one more step to ensure all married couples receive equal treatment under the law. Announcement