- Is a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years
- Is 65 years of age or older.
Use the following Guidelines to determine whether or not you will need to pay a premium for Medicare Part A:
- If you have worked 40 quarters (10 years) while paying Medicare taxes, you will typically not need to pay a monthly Medicare Part A premium.
- If you are are age 62 or older, have worked for at least 10 years while paying Medicare taxes, and has a spouse who is age 65 or older, your spouse is eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A.
- If you are not yet age 62, but have worked at least 10 years while paying Medicare taxes, and have a spouse who turns age 65, your spouse is eligible for Medicare Part A but will need to pay a premium until you turn 62.
Keep in mind that if enrolling in Part A, you must also enroll in Part B. Everyone pays a premium for Part B.