Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years old or older, but several criteria need to be met to qualify for the program. These include a minimum number of years that one must have paid into the Medicare program through payroll taxes and a U.S. citizenship or permanent legal resident status.
Additionally, an individual or their spouse must have worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security benefits or for railroad retirement benefits. It means that one has to have worked for at least ten years. It doesn’t matter if these benefits are being received, only that one qualifies for them. One may also qualify for Medicare if they or their spouse is a government employee or retiree who paid Medicare payroll taxes but not into Social Security while working.
If Medicare payroll taxes were paid for ten full years, premiums for Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care, aren’t required. Qualifying for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits or outpatient services, and Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs, does not need work credits. Regardless of work history, everyone pays those premiums.
Those who are 65 and still working don’t have to sign up for Medicare, but it helps if they do sign up while they are employed. Those who have never worked can also get Medicare, but it may cost more depending on their spouse’s work history.
Other ways to get Medicare:
Those that don’t qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A may be eligible to buy coverage. But they must be a U.S.citizen or have been a permanent resident for at least five years.
People can pay premiums for Medicare Part A hospital insurance. These premium costs depend on work history and how much one has paid into Medicare.
One can also pay monthly premiums for Medicare Part B medical services insurance. The premiums are the same for everyone enrolled in Part B.
One can pay premiums for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The premium has standardized rates and depends on the plan chosen.
Alternatively, one can also opt for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which is sold by private insurance companies.