How do I get Medicare if I don't work?

Asked by: Queen Ziemann  |  Last update: May 14, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (2 votes)

Medicare Eligibility for People Who Never Worked The most common way for people who haven't worked 10 years to qualify for Medicare Part A without a premium is by claiming the work history of a spouse (or former spouse).

Can a stay at home mom get Medicare?

Stay at home moms do not qualify for Medicare unless they are very old (Over 65) or disabled, so, no, they generally won't be penalized for not having Medicare.

Do I have to pay for Medicare if I have no income?

Californians with an annual income of less than $20,121 for an individual or $27,214 for a couple are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program. These programs provide help from the State of California to pay for your Medicare premiums, and sometimes your deductibles and copayments.

What are the three requirements for Medicare?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to the individuals below:
  • Age 65 or older.
  • Disabled.
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

Medicare: Why you need to sign up when you're 65, even if you're still working

25 related questions found

What makes you ineligible for Medicare?

Who is Eligible for Medicare? You are eligible for Medicare if you are a citizen of the United States or have been a legal resident for at least 5 years and: You are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Does my wife get Medicare if she never worked?

Medicare does not specifically cover spouses. However, some people qualify based on their spouse's or a former spouse's work record. Some people may qualify for Medicare by reaching age 65 years and having their own eligible work and tax records. Others, however, may not have worked for the required number of quarters.

How to qualify for free Medicare?

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Can my mom get Social Security if she never worked?

Even if you have never worked in a job covered by Social Security, as a parent, there are two ways that you may still be eligible for benefits. If you are a parent and take care of your child who receives Social Security benefits and is under age 18, you can get benefits until your child reaches age 16.

Can I qualify for Medicare if I don't have enough work credits?

Once a person turns 65, they can enroll in Medicare even if they do not have the required 40 work credits to receive Social Security benefits. However, there may be additional costs, including Part A premiums.

Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?

Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs. $0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you get Medicare earlier than age 65, you won't pay a Part A premium. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”

Can you get social security if you've never worked?

Although many of the programs base benefit amounts and eligibility to work history, there are some instances where a person who has never worked can collect benefits. One program that provides benefits to people, not based on their work history, is Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?

To apply for Medicare, you'll need:
  1. Your Social Security Card.
  2. Your original birth certificate.
  3. Proof of U.S citizenship or legal citizenship status documentation if you were not born in the U.S.
  4. A copy of your W-2 form.

Can you get Medicare if you lose your job?

Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).

Can my wife draw social security if she never worked?

A wife with no work record or low benefit entitlement on her own work record is eligible for between one-third and one-half of her spouse's Social Security benefit.

Can I collect my deceased husband's Medicare?

If the husband dies before her, she would be entitled to Medicare on his record as his widow. She would also be entitled to some level of Social Security payments as his wife or as his widow.

Does Medicare cover dental?

In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.

Does Medicare look at your savings account?

Medicare examines your bank accounts and other assets when you seek financial help with Medicare costs. However, eligibility criteria and verification procedures differ by state of residence. In certain states, there are no asset limits for Medicare savings programs.

How much income is too much for Medicare?

The 2025 Medicare income limit is $106,000 for individuals and $212,000 for couples. Those numbers are based on your income on your 2023 tax return. If you earned more than the Medicare income limit, you'll pay more for Medicare Part B (medical coverage) and Part D (prescription coverage).

Is Medicare Part B free for low income for seniors?

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)

This program helps with paying Medicare premiums for Part B. A single person can qualify in 2024 with an income up to $1,526 per month. A couple can qualify with a combined income of $2,064 per month.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Why would someone be denied for Medicare?

Reasons for Medicare coverage denial

A person has a Medicare Advantage plan, and they use a doctor who is outside of the plan network. The Medicare Part D prescription drug plan's formulary does not include the medication. The beneficiary has reached the maximum number of allowed days in a hospital or care facility.