Can I Get Medicare If I Never Worked?

Medicare is a health insurance program offered to qualified citizens aged 65 or older or who meet specific eligibility requirements. If you do not have any employment history, you can still qualify for Medicare, depending on some factors. However, people who have never worked as a result of various factors may find it hard to determine if they are qualified for Medicare or not. 

This article will explain the eligibility requirements for Medicare, focusing on individuals with little to no employment history.

Qualifying Through Your Spouse for Premium-Free Part A

One way to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A is if you paid enough Medicare taxes while employed. However, if you have never worked, you can still be eligible for premium-free Part A through your spouse. If your spouse has paid up to 40 quarters (10 years) of Medicare taxes, you can qualify for premium-free Part A as long as your spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits or retirement benefits and you have been married for at least one year. 

If you’re divorced, you can also qualify if you were married for at least 10 years and if your former spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits or retirement benefits.

If you are a widow or widower, you can still qualify through your spouse if:  

• Your spouse was eligible for Social Security disability or retirement benefits
• You were married for at least nine months before your spouse passed
• You are currently single

Qualifying Because of Your Health

Some disabilities may also make you eligible for Medicare. If you have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, you will qualify for Medicare at the start of the 25th month. If you have End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, you may also qualify for premium-free Part A.

Other Parts of Medicare

You can enroll in Medicare Parts B, C, D, and Medicare Supplements without any employment history as long as you qualify. You can enroll for Part B if you meet the eligibility requirements (you are 65 or older and are a U.S. citizen or legal resident) during the Initial Enrollment Period. Part C is a private insurance plan that offers the same basic benefits as Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). To qualify for Part C, you must have Original Medicare. You can also enroll for Part D and Medigap if you are enrolled in Original Medicare.

For more information about how you may qualify for premium-free Part A and other parts of Medicare, contact us at (662) 844-330.