Do I Need 40 Work Credits for Medicare Part A?

You need 40 work credits (about 10 years of work) for premium-free Part A. If you don't have 40 credits, you can still get Part A by paying a monthly premium, or you may qualify through a spouse's work record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my work credits?
You can check your work credits by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and reviewing your Social Security Statement.
Can I still get Part B without 40 credits?
Yes. Part B has no work credit requirement. You pay the same Part B premium regardless of your work history.
What is the Part A premium without 40 credits?
With 30-39 credits, the reduced premium is lower. With fewer than 30 credits, you pay the full Part A premium, which changes annually.