What makes someone eligible for Medicare Part A?
Asked by: Erna Wiegand II | Last update: October 10, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)
Who is eligible for Medicare Part A?
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).
Why would someone not be eligible for Medicare Part A?
Someone might not qualify for Medicare if they haven't worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, are under 65 without a qualifying disability, ESRD, or ALS, or are not a US citizen or permanent resident.
Can you be eligible for Medicare Part A but not Part B?
If you are willing to pay the Part A premium and choose to enroll in it, you also have to take Part B; you cannot buy Part A alone. If you get Part A premium-free, you can choose whether or not to enroll in Part B.
Is Medicare Part A free?
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Most people get Part A for free, but some have to pay a premium for this coverage.
What Are The Medicare Eligibility Requirements?
What income is too high for Medicare?
If you file your taxes as "married, filing jointly" and your MAGI is greater than $212,000, you'll pay higher premiums for your Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you file your taxes using a different status, and your MAGI is greater than $106,000, you'll pay higher premiums.
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.
What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?
Part A late enrollment penalty
If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
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).
Why do people decline Medicare Part A?
One key reason to delay Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is because you may want to keep contributing to a health savings account (HSA) which allows you to save money tax-free. Once you enroll in any part of Medicare – even if it's only premium-free Part A – you can no longer put money into an HSA.
How to check Medicare eligibility?
To find out if you qualify for Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
Is Medicare Part A mandatory?
Enrollment in Medicare Part A is mandatory for people who receive Social Security benefits. Enrollment in Part B is voluntary.
Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part A?
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.
Who automatically gets Medicare Part A and B?
If you're receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits four months prior to your 65th birthday, you'll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare‡ (Parts A and B). Most people qualify for Original Medicare‡ (Parts A and B)
Who is not eligible for Medicare Part A?
Why might a person not be eligible for Medicare Part A? A person must be age 65 years or older to qualify for Medicare Part A. Unless they meet other requirements, such as a qualifying disability, they cannot get Medicare Part A benefits before this age.
How much is Medicare Part A?
If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A: You might be able to buy it. You'll pay either $285 or $518 each month for Part A, depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes. Remember: You also have to sign up for Part B to buy Part A. Learn more about how Medicare works.
How do I know if I am eligible for free Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A will be premium-free if you: Worked for at least 10 years (40 quarters) in Social Security/Medicare-covered employment; Are eligible through the work history of a current, former, or deceased spouse; and/or.
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.
Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?
There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.
Does social security count as income for Medicare?
In situations where you have Social Security payments in conjunction with an income that meets the tax filing limitations, only the income will be counted toward your total when being considered for income-related medical benefits.
Why is my first Medicare bill for 3 months?
Why Is My Medicare Bill for Three Months? Generally speaking, you pay ahead for three months of Original Medicare coverage when you first sign up, and you pay for each quarter in advance after that. There are several ways to pay for your Medicare premiums, and when you sign up has a big impact on your bills.
What does social security extra help pay for?
The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D.