Medicare Part A is free if you:
- Have at least 40 calendar quarters of work in any job where you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S.
- Are eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits
- Or, have a spouse that qualifies for premium-free Part A
You may also be eligible for premium-free Part A if you were a federal employee anytime after December 31, 1982, or a state or local employee anytime after March 31, 1986.
If you do not meet the criteria above, you will likely pay a monthly premium for Part A. Your monthly Part A premium will depend on how many years you or your spouse worked in any job at which you paid Social Security taxes in the U.S.
| In 2018, your monthly Part A premium will be: | |
| $0 | If you or your spouse worked for 40 quarters (10 years) or more or you were a federal employee on January 1, 1983, or a state or local employee anytime after March 31, 1986. |
| $232 | If you or your spouse worked between 30 and 39 quarters (7.5 and 10 years) |
| $422 | If you or your spouse worked fewer than 30 quarters (7.5 years) |
If your income is low, you may be eligible for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program, which pays for your Medicare Part A and B premiums and other Medicare costs.