Medicare Part A

Most people get this portion of Medicare without paying a monthly premium. If you (OR your spouse/former spouse) have worked 40 quarters (generally about 10 years) over your work history, Medicare tax was deducted from your pay…so when you start getting benefits, there is no premium. While most people qualify for Part A with no premium, if you (or your spouse) don’t have enough work history, you may be able to buy Part A.  If you (or your spouse) is NOT getting retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), you’ll need to sign up for Medicare, at least Part A. But you can opt to not sign up for Part B (there is a monthly premium in 2024 of $174.70), f you are still working and have credible health coverage, or are covered under your spouse’s coverage. If you ARE getting the above benefits at least 4 months before you turn 65, you’ll automatically get a Medicare card showing your Part A coverage AND Part B, but you can choose to not keep Part B…see the Part B section for more. Under original Medicare Part A there is a deductible for 2024, of $1632 per BENEFIT PERIOD and if you have multiple hospital (or skilled nursing facility) stays, you can end up paying this deductible more than once in a year.

Feel free to give my office a call and we’ll be happy to answer your questions! Call 208-350-3708.