Can I get Premium-Free Part A?
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Medicare Part A is a part of Medicare that covers Medicare beneficiaries’ hospice services, inpatient hospital care, and Skilled Nursing Facility Care. Before you can be eligible for Medicare Part A, you must first be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and reach age 65 or older. You can also qualify for Medicare if you are younger than age 65 and have a disability or are diagnosed with diseases like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Most beneficiaries receive Part A without having to pay a premium payment. Here are some of the things you need to know about eligibility for a premium-free Medicare Part A plan.
Who Qualifies for Premium-Free Part A?
Before you can be eligible for premium-free Part A, you must meet certain conditions. Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), your employer is required to deduct the payroll taxes from each of your paychecks. If you or your spouse has worked for ten years or more, you’ll typically have paid the complete payroll taxes and meet the requirement to get premium-free Part A.
Other Conditions That Qualify You for Premium-Free Part A
You may be eligible if you are age 65 or older and meet these conditions:
- You get your retirement benefits through Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)
- You have a government job that is covered by Medicare.
- You qualify for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, but you have yet to claim the benefits.
If you’re not yet 65, you may still qualify for premium-free Part A. But you must meet these requirements:
- If you have been receiving Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security disability benefits from SSA for at least 2 years. Keep in mind that the months don’t have to be consecutive. You can start receiving Medicare benefits starting from the month you receive your 25th Social Security check.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): This is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and those that have this disease automatically qualify for premium-free Part A. You will receive these benefits the first month you receive a Social Security check.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): You can qualify for a premium-free Part A plan if you have permanent kidney failure and have either had a kidney transplant or currently receiving regular dialysis treatment.
Need more information about your eligibility for a premium-free Medicare Part A plan? Contact Proinsurance Hawaii today!
