Medicare Part A, often referred to as “hospital insurance,” is typically premium-free for individuals who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (equivalent to 10 years), or who are married to someone who has. During your working years, you and your employer each contribute 1.45% of your wages to fund Medicare Part A.
If you have fewer than 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment, you can still enroll in Part A by paying a monthly premium. In 2025, the premium rates are as follows:
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$285 per month for individuals with 30–39 quarters of coverage.
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$518 per month for those with fewer than 30 quarters of coverage.
Generally, if you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Part A. If not, you can sign up through the Social Security Administration during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after.
Additionally, individuals under 65 may qualify for Medicare Part A if they have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months or have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).