You may still be eligible to sign up for Medicare even if you do not have enough work credits.
U.S. workers help pay for Medicare over the course of their work history. FICA taxes are withheld from every paycheck. Those tax dollars are used to pay for two programs – Social Security and Medicare.
You have to have contributed a minimum of ten years (40 quarters) of payroll taxes to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A.
Check how many work credits you have earned.
If you do not have enough work credits, you may still be eligible to enroll in Medicare, but Medicare Part A will not be premium-free. The amount you pay for Medicare Part A will be based on how many work credits you have earned.
If you do not sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 you may be charged late enrollment penalties if you sign up later. This is true even if you do not have enough work credits for premium-free Part A.
If you are aged 65 or older, you may be eligible for Medicare based on your spouse’s work history. You must have been married for at least one year and your spouse must have the minimum number of work credits.
If you are divorced or your spouse has passed away, you may still be able to qualify for Medicare based on their work history.
Learn more and get a spouse’s benefits estimate.
Contact Banner Medicare so we can answer any questions you may have and even help you enroll.
Call (888) 788-1931 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent.
Use our online form to have a licensed sales agent contact you.
Have questions or need help enrolling?
Call (833) 516-1007 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent.
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