How much does Part A cost?
Premium-free Part A
You usually don't pay a monthly
for
coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while working. This is sometimes called "premium-free Part A."
Most people get premium-free Part A.
You can get premium-free Part A at 65 if:
- You already get retirement
Benefits [Glossary] from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. - You're eligible to get Social Security or Railroad benefits but haven't filed for them yet.
- You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
If you're under 65, you can get premium-free Part A if:
- You got Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months.
- You have
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and meet certain requirements.
Part A premiums
If you buy Part A, you'll pay up to $422 each month in 2018. If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $422. If you paid Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $232.
In most cases, if you choose to buy Part A, you must also:
- Have
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) - Pay monthly premiums for both Part A and Part B
Contact Social Security for more information about the Part A premium.
Some people automatically get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance). Learn how and when you can sign up for Part A.