Can I Get Medicare If I Never Worked But My Husband Did?

Understanding your options for Medicare coverage through your spouse's work history.

Understanding Medicare: The Basics

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 or older, though certain younger individuals with disabilities may also qualify. Medicare consists of different parts, each covering specific aspects of healthcare:

• Medicare Part A: Covers hospital insurance.

• Medicare Part B: Covers medical insurance.

• Medicare Advantage Plan: An alternative to Original Medicare that includes Parts A and B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage).

• Medicare Part D: Covers prescription drugs.

Can You Get Medicare If You Never Worked?

If you have never worked, you may still be eligible for Medicare based on your spouse's work history. Eligibility depends on whether your spouse has worked and paid Medicare taxes for a sufficient amount of time.

Here’s what you need to know to qualify for Medicare through your spouse:

• Your spouse must have worked for at least 10 years.

• You must be at least 65 years old to qualify for Medicare based on your spouse's work history.

• Your spouse must be eligible for Social Security or retirement benefits.

Medicare Eligibility Without Work History

If you have never worked, but your spouse has, you can still qualify for Medicare. Here's how:

• At age 65, you may qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A if your spouse has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

• If you do not qualify for premium-free Part A, you may still enroll in Medicare Part B, but you will have to pay a monthly premium.

Qualifying for Premium-Free Medicare Part A

Premium-free Medicare Part A is available to individuals who meet certain criteria, largely based on work history:

• Your spouse has worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

• You are at least 65 years old and eligible for Social Security benefits, even if you have never worked.

Medicare Costs and Premiums

While you may qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, other parts of Medicare will have costs associated with them:

• Medicare Part B: Requires a monthly premium. The amount can vary depending on your income.

• Medicare Advantage Plan: Costs can vary based on the plan you choose and may include premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

• Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans: These plans can help cover costs not included in Original Medicare, but they come with additional premiums.

Enrolling in Medicare

When you turn 65, you have a seven-month window to enroll in Medicare. This period starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after that month. Even if you have never worked, you can enroll in Medicare based on your spouse's work history.

It is important to enroll in Medicare Part B during this initial enrollment period to avoid late enrollment penalties, which can increase your monthly premium for Medicare Part B.

Automatically Get Medicare

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you may automatically get Medicare Parts A and B. However, if you are not receiving these benefits, you will need to apply for Medicare.

We're Here to Help

Understanding Medicare eligibility and enrollment can be complex, especially if you have never worked. At Bourgeois Insurance Agency, LLC, we're here to help you navigate the process and ensure you get the coverage you need.

Located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, we specialize in helping local residents understand their Medicare options. Our team can assist you with determining your eligibility, enrolling in Medicare, and choosing the right Medicare Plan for your needs.

Call us today at (985) 803-8999 to learn more about how you can qualify for Medicare through your spouse's work history. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you!