Is Medicare Part A always free?

No, Medicare Part A isn't free for everyone, but most people get it premium-free by paying Medicare taxes for about 10 years (40 quarters) while working, or through a spouse's work record. If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you can buy it, but you'll pay a monthly premium, which can be substantial, and you may face penalties for not signing up when first eligible.

Do you have to pay for Medicare Part A?

No, most people don't have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) because they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you'll pay a monthly premium (up to $565 in 2026) and may face late enrollment penalties, but it still covers hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health. 

Does Medicare pay 100% of part A?

Medicare Part A covers only about 80% of approved inpatient expenses. You are responsible to pay the other 20% of your medical and hospital costs, and 100% of your prescription drug costs. In addition to prescription costs, there are other things that are not covered, such as: Long-term care.

How much does Medicare Part A cost per month?

For most people, Medicare Part A is $0 per month if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you didn't work that long, the premium for 2026 is either $311 or $565 monthly, depending on your work history (30-39 quarters, or less than 30 quarters, respectively). 

How to know if Medicare Part A is free?

Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 and ask if your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free and when your coverage starts.

Is Medicare Part A Always Free?

Who is exempt from paying Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A is usually free if you or your spouse paid Medicare payroll taxes for approximately 10 years while working (this is called “premium-free Part A”).

Is Medicare Part A free when you turn 65?

Yes, Medicare Part A is free (premium-free) for most people at age 65 if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) or are eligible for Social Security benefits, but if you haven't worked long enough, you can buy it, though you'll pay a monthly premium, note Social Security Administration (.gov), KFF, Medical News Today, and Medicare (.gov). 

Does Medicare Part A pay 100% of your hospital stay?

No, Medicare Part A does not cover 100% of hospital bills; after a deductible, it covers most costs for the first 60 days of an inpatient stay, but you're responsible for daily coinsurance for days 61-90, higher costs for lifetime reserve days, and potentially everything beyond that, unless you have a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage (Part C) to cover these gaps. Key costs include a per-benefit-period deductible (e.g., $1,676 in 2025) and daily copayments for extended stays, like $419 per day for days 61-90 in 2025. 

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

Why am I being charged for Medicare Part A?

You're being charged for Medicare Part A because you (or your spouse) didn't work and pay Medicare taxes for the required 40 quarters (about 10 years) to get it free, so you're paying a monthly premium to buy it, which can happen if you're a shorter-term worker or certain government employees; if you have a bill, it's for next month's coverage or past due amounts, and you might also have Part B charges. 

What are the 5 things Medicare does not cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't cover most dental, vision (like glasses/contacts), hearing aids, routine foot care, and long-term custodial care, plus many alternative therapies, cosmetic surgeries, and prescription drugs (without Part D). You'll need supplemental plans (like Medigap or Part C) or separate insurance for these common needs. 

Does Medicare Part A cover surgeon fees?

No, Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) generally does not cover surgeon fees directly; those are typically covered by Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for both inpatient and outpatient surgeries, even if you're admitted to the hospital, as Part B covers doctor's services like surgeons, anesthetists, and hospitalists. Part A covers the hospital stay itself, like room, board, and operating room costs, while Part B pays the physician.
 

How to get Medicare Part A for free?

You get free Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters), are eligible for Social Security/Railroad Retirement Board benefits, or qualify under specific disability conditions like ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). If you don't meet these criteria, you might still buy it, but it costs a monthly premium. 

How much will Medicare Part A cost in 2025?

For 2025, most people get Medicare Part A premium-free, but if you buy it, the monthly cost is either $285 (for 30-39 work quarters) or $518 (for under 30 work quarters), depending on your or your spouse's work history, notes Medicare.gov. These amounts increased from 2024, with the full premium going up by $13 and the reduced premium by $7, says CMS and Medicare Rights Center. 

At what age do you stop paying Medicare premiums after?

Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. See Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

For a Medicare Wellness Exam's cognitive test, the three common words to remember are often "banana," "sunrise," and "chair," used in the Mini-Cog screening to check your memory and thinking skills; you say them immediately and then recall them after a few minutes. 

Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?

Physician Medicare reimbursement dropped 33% since 2000, when adjusted for inflation, according to the AMA. As a result, Ferguson said, many practices—particularly small, independent ones—can no longer afford to absorb the losses. "It's gotten to a point where you can't absorb it.

Does Medicare Part A cover lab work?

Yes, Medicare Part A covers medically necessary lab work (like blood tests) if you are an inpatient in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice; however, most routine or outpatient lab work ordered by your doctor falls under Part B (medical insurance), which covers diagnostic tests when ordered by a provider and meets Medicare criteria. Part A covers inpatient tests as part of your hospital stay, but you'll still owe your Part A deductible for the benefit period; Part B usually covers 100% of approved diagnostic lab tests after you meet your deductible. 

Is Medicare alone enough?

No, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) typically isn't enough because it doesn't cover prescription drugs (needs Part D), has no out-of-pocket spending limit, and misses routine dental, vision, and hearing care, leading most beneficiaries to add Medigap (Supplement) or choose Medicare Advantage (Part C) for comprehensive coverage. Deciding what's "enough" depends on your health, budget, and comfort with risk, as Original Medicare leaves significant costs to you. 

Does Medicare Part A cover emergency room visits?

Medicare Part B covers ER visits, but you still pay a deductible and 20% of costs. Part A helps only if you're admitted to the hospital. Medigap can help cover ER costs if you have Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans (which replace Original Medicare) cover ER care and may offer lower copays or extra services.

Who is exempt from paying Medicare?

Some people may be exempt from paying Medicare tax before retirement. Reasons for exemption include renouncing your rights to Social Security Association (SSA) benefits, never having received or not being eligible for SSA benefits, and living abroad and working for a foreign employer.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

If you don't enroll in premium-free Medicare Part A at 65, you generally won't face penalties, but if you have to pay for Part A (not common) and delay enrollment, you'll face a permanent 10% late enrollment penalty for twice the number of years you waited, and you might have gaps in coverage or have to pay for Part B later, potentially incurring Part B penalties too if you delay that. For most people eligible for free Part A, it's best to enroll to avoid Part B penalties, but if you have other coverage like employer insurance, you might delay Part B. 

Why do I need Medicare Part C?

You need Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) if you want an all-in-one private plan that bundles your Part A & B benefits and often includes extras like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drugs (Part D), offering convenience and potentially lower out-of-pocket costs for services not covered by Original Medicare, all under one plan with a yearly spending limit. It's an alternative to Original Medicare, providing comprehensive coverage with added benefits, though often through a network of doctors.