U.S. · Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A premium, by quarters worked.
How many Social Security quarters of coverage decide whether Part A costs nothing, $311 or $565 a month.
Part A is premium-free with 40 quarters of coverage (about 10 years of work). With 30 to 39 quarters the 2026 premium is $311 a month, and with fewer than 30 it is $565. The quarters can come from your own record or, in some cases, a spouse's. You must also sign up for Part B to buy Part A.
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Result
2026 premium tiers
| Quarters of coverage | Part A premium in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 40 or more | $0 (premium-free) |
| 30–39 | $311 a month |
| Under 30 | $565 a month |
Where the $311 comes from
CMS sets the standard premium for the uninsured aged at $565 for 2026. People with at least 30 quarters, or who are married to, widowed from, or divorced after 10 years from someone with at least 30, get a 45 percent reduction, which CMS states is $311 (42 CFR 406.32; Social Security Act section 1818).
What a quarter of coverage is
Quarters of coverage are the Social Security work credits earned from taxable earnings. In 2026 one quarter requires $1,890 of covered earnings, per the Social Security Administration's 2026 figures; 2027 will be $1,970.
Worked example
A person with 34 quarters falls in the 30–39 band, so the 2026 premium is $311 a month, or $3,732 for a full year. A person with 25 quarters pays $565 a month, or $6,780 for the year. Someone with 40 quarters pays nothing.
Late-enrollment penalty
If you buy Part A and do not enroll when first eligible, the monthly premium can rise by 10 percent for twice the number of full 12-month periods you could have enrolled (42 CFR 406.32(d)).
Sources
Primary sources opened and checked on November 2, 2026. This page has no affiliation with any agency; confirm with the agency before you rely on an amount or date.
- Federal Register, CY 2026 Part A Premiums for the Uninsured Aged and for Certain Disabled Individuals (Nov. 19, 2025). Read November 2, 2026.
- Medicare.gov, Medicare costs. Read November 2, 2026.
- eCFR, 42 CFR 406.32 Monthly premiums. Read November 2, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, 2027 COLA fact sheet (quarter of coverage amounts). Read November 2, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many quarters do I need for free Medicare Part A?
40 quarters of coverage, which is about 10 years of work paying Medicare taxes.
What is the Part A premium with 30 to 39 quarters?
$311 a month in 2026.
What is the Part A premium with fewer than 30 quarters?
$565 a month in 2026.
Can a spouse's work record count?
Yes. The 30-quarter reduction also applies if you were married to a worker with at least 30 quarters for the required time, including after death or after a divorce that followed at least 10 years of marriage.
Do I need Part B to buy Part A?
Yes. Medicare.gov says you must also sign up for Part B to buy Part A.
Not legal, financial or benefits advice
This page summarizes published Medicare premiums and does not know your work record. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.