Medicare Part A is cost-free if you:
- You have completed at least 40calendar quarters of work in any job where you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S.
- Are qualified for Railroad Retirement benefits
- Have a partner that is approved for premium-free Part A
You might additionally be eligible for premium-free Part A if you were a federal employee anytime after December 31, 1982, or a state employee after March 31, 1986.
In case if you do not meet the criteria listed above, you will likely pay a month-to-month cost for Part A. Your regular monthly Part A costs will depend on the number of years you or your partner worked in any job you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S.
In 2021, your regular monthly Part A costs will be:
- $0 – If you or your partner worked 40 calendar quarters (10 years) or even more, or you were a government employee anytime after January 1, 1983, or a state or regional employee anytime after March 31, 1986.
- $240 – If you or your partner worked between 30 and 39 calendar quarters (7.5 and also ten years).
- $437 – If you or your partner worked less than 30 calendar quarters (7.5 years).
You might be eligible for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program if your income is low. QMB pays for your Medicare Part A and B premiums and various other Medicare expenses.