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When is Medicare Part A free? - Las Vegas Review-Journal
For most seniors, the FICA payroll tax they pay when working includes an amount for Medicare’s “Part A” – which is Medicare coverage for inpatient hospitalization services. Those payroll contributions, made for at least 10 years of working, result in Part A healthcare services being provided for free (without a premium). But what if a person hasn’t worked long enough to be entitled to “free” Part A coverage?
Those who have worked less than 10 years and who haven’t accumulated 40 quarter credits of FICA contributions, must pay a premium for their Part A hospitalization coverage. The amount of the Part A premium depends on how many actual quarters of credit the person has, but another alternative is available for those who are married to someone who has the requisite credits needed for “free” Medicare Part A coverage, even if they are not yet age-eligible for Medicare. This is the dilemma that a questioner asks about in this “Tony Says” piece appearing in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Click here to read more.
Also, if you’re unsure about how these basics apply to you, or if you have any questions about your individual situation under Social Security or for Medicare enrollment, note that the AMAC Foundation provides a free-to-the-public advisory service to help Americans navigate the complexities of this program. All questions are answered quickly, at no charge. Learn more about it here…