Medicare eligibility rules for those who never worked.
Many people qualify for Medicare three months before they turn 65. If you've worked for 40 quarters (ten years) and paid Medicare taxes, you can even qualify for premium-free Part A. But can you still qualify for Medicare if you've never worked? The answer is "Yes."
In this article, we will discuss some of the scenarios in which it is possible to get Medicare even if you have never worked.
Spousal Eligibility
You may qualify for Medicare Part A based on your spouse's work history. You need at least 40 quarters of work to be eligible for Medicare. However, suppose you do not meet that requirement, or you have never worked. In that case, your spouse's work history may allow you to qualify for Medicare coverage. If your spouse meets Medicare's minimum requirement, it means you may be eligible when you turn 65 or older.
In addition, you may get Medicare without paying a premium for some of the following reasons:
- You are married, and your spouse qualifies for Social Security benefits. You must be married for at least 12 months before you can apply.
- You are divorced from your spouse who is eligible for Social Security benefits. You must have been married for at least ten years, and you must now be single.
- You are a widow or widower and married for at least nine months before the death of your spouse. Also, you must now be single.
Disabilities and Medical Conditions
Disabilities
Suppose you have a qualifying disability and have been getting SSDI benefits for a minimum of 2 years (24 months). In that case, you will automatically be signed up for Medicare starting from the 25th month.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Suppose you have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure), and you are on dialysis or need a kidney transplant. In that case, you qualify for Medicare if you meet one of these criteria:
- You qualify for Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security retirement benefits.
- Your spouse or parent qualifies for Social Security retirement benefits.
If you are eligible for Medicare based on ESRD, the period you can sign up is as follows:
- If you are getting dialysis in your home, you can enroll in Medicare the first day you start receiving dialysis.
- If you are getting dialysis in a treatment center, you can sign up on the first day of the 4th month you start receiving treatment.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
If you have ALS, you automatically qualify for Medicare. The coverage will begin as soon as you start receiving your SSDI benefits. After signing up for SSDI, there is a 5-month waiting period before your benefits kick in. After this waiting period, SSDI and Medicare benefits start the same month.
If you are not sure if you qualify for Medicare, contact Simple Retirement Benefits to speak with one of our licensed Medicare agents.