Part A Premium Checker
Most people get Part A premium-free through their own or a spouse's work history. Whether you pay a premium comes down to your quarters of coverage — roughly, four for each year you worked paying Medicare taxes (SSA.gov).
An educational estimate, not an official determination — the Social Security Administration decides your actual Part A premium status. Not sure of your count? Your Social Security statement at ssa.gov/myaccount lists your credited quarters. Nothing you enter is stored.
Frequently asked questions
How many quarters do I need for premium-free Part A?
Forty — about ten years of work paying Medicare taxes (SSA.gov). At 30 to 39 quarters you pay a reduced monthly premium; below 30, the full premium.
Can I qualify on my spouse's work record?
Yes, and this is the most commonly missed opportunity here. You may qualify through a current spouse, a former spouse (if the marriage lasted at least ten years), or a deceased spouse. If your own record is short, check theirs before you buy in.
Do I still pay a deductible with premium-free Part A?
Yes. The 2026 Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period (CMS.gov) — and it can apply more than once in a year, because a new benefit period starts after 60 days out of the hospital. Medigap Plan G and Plan N both cover it in full.
Should I buy into Part A if I don't qualify?
Sometimes, but not automatically — the premium is substantial, and for some people a Marketplace plan or a spouse's employer coverage is the better route until eligibility arrives. It is worth a conversation before you enroll.
Method: premium-free Part A at 40+ quarters of coverage, a reduced premium at 30–39, the full premium below 30 (SSA.gov). Current-year buy-in amounts are published at Medicare.gov and are not reproduced here because they change annually. The 2026 Part A inpatient deductible is $1,736 per benefit period (CMS.gov). Spousal, ex-spousal and survivor records often change the answer — have us check.
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More calculators on the free tools hub, or read the background in Medicare 101.