Ask Ms. Medicare: I Haven't Worked Long Enough to Qualify
By: Patricia Barry | Source: AARP Bulletin Today | - Updated January 30, 2009
Ask Ms. Medicare: Have a question on Medicare? Look first at the Q&As already posted in our Ms. Medicare archive. If the answer you’re looking for isn’t here, e-mail your query to Ms. Medicare at msmed@aarp.org. Be sure to include your name, age, state and Zip Code. Your name will not be published. |
Q. I haven’t worked long enough to qualify for Medicare. What are my options?
A. If you’re 65 or older, you can buy into Medicare by paying a premium for Part A hospital insurance. You can also join Part B (doctors’ and outpatient services) and pay the same premium as everybody else. In both cases, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident (green card holder) who has lived in the United States continuously for at least five years.
The amount you pay for your Part A premium in 2009 is $244 a month (if you have 30 to 39 work credits) or $443 a month (if you have less than 30 work credits). These amounts usually increase each year. Once you’ve earned 40 credits (about 10 years' work), you’ll no longer be required to pay Part A premiums.
Patricia Barry is a senior editor on AARP Bulletin staff.
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