Call Our Team today!
1 (855) 600-0137

Isn't Medicare Part A Free?

In most cases, Part A of Medicare plans come at no additional cost. But not everyone may qualify for premium-free Part A. Here are some reasons why someone might not qualify and (better) what can be done about it.

Defining Premium-Free Medicare Part A

Technically, no part of Medicare is "free." The reason that Part A usually comes at no additional cost, is because most U.S. citizens qualify based on how many years or quarters have been worked and have paid Medicare taxes during their working years. Part A comes at no additional cost if:

If age sixty-five or older (with a few exceptions)
AND You or your spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least ten years (or 40 quarters)
OR have eligibility for Railroad Retirement benefits

Medicare Through Your Spouse

If neither spouse qualifies for Medicare Part A, bear a couple things in mind. If one spouse paid Medicare taxes, they need to be at least sixty-two years old to qualify the 65 year old spouse. Also, current marital status matters.

Medicare Parts B and D will almost always need premiums to be paid, regardless of whether you qualify for premium-free Part A or not.

Paying for Part A Out-of-Pocket

One option to obtain Medicare Part A, if you don't qualify for it premium-free, is to pay out-of-pocket. If you are sixty-five or older and meet the requirements set by Social Security for residency or citizenship, Part A can be purchased. The cost will depend on your work history and can be significant.

Partial Work Credits

Because Medicare is based on accruing payments over working years, if there is some work history in the United States then you will qualify for partial coverage under Medicare. If at least thirty quarters (approximately seven and a half years) have been paid into in the United States, the Part A premium will be discounted.. In 2019, if someone had a work history of at least thirty quarters, the monthly Part A premium would have been $240.

It is possible to continue working full-time or part-time to raise that to forty quarters, or ten years. At that point, Part A would have no cost.

No Work Credits

If the hours or quarter requirements have not been met, the full Part A premium amount would be required. In 2019, it was $437.

After paying for Part A, Part B and Part D are still important coverage, be sure to include them in cost calculations. Both Part A and B are required in order to enroll into a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Get Help Now

What If I Don’t Sign up for Part A?

If someone is unable to sign up for Part A, there will be no hospitalization coverage and full exposer to those costs. Also, they would be unable to enroll into a comprehensive health plan and, once again, be exposed to most healthcare costs. This could be a more costly decision in the long term.

Depending on the circumstances, is important to consider all angles of cost, both short and long term. A licensed Medicare insurance agent who specializes in Medicare can help determine the right choice.

We check quotes from available carriers in your area

Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter

From Ignite Insurance Group

We don't like spam. Our newsletter helps to educate about Medicare.

Ignite Insurance Group

169 Inverness Dr W #350
Englewood co 80111

855-600-0137

Dental Insurance Plans

Our individual dental plans are affordable and can be used for almost any provider - we are happy to give you a quote for a plan available in your area!