Part A is free to most participants because the individual paid Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years or is the spouse of someone who paid Medicare payroll taxes. If people are not eligible for a free Part A premium, they may be able to purchase this premium if they meet certain conditions. If they buy Part A, they will be required in most cases also to buy Part B and to pay monthly premiums for both.
In 2012, people with 30-39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment are required to pay a premium of $248 per month. For those people who are not eligible for Part A and have fewer than 30 quarters worked, the premium is $441 per month in 2013.
Beneficiaries with hospital stays in 2013 pay a deductible of $1,184 for a hospital stay of 1-60 days; $296 per day for days 61 to 90; $592 per day for days 91 through 150; and all costs for each day beyond 150.
Related FAQs
What Cost-Sharing Obligations Do Beneficiaries Have Under Parts A and B?
Does Medicare Cover All of Beneficiaries' Medical Expenses After Age 65?
