Single individuals are eligible for Medicare if:

• You are a US citizen or legal resident for at least five consecutive years and
• You are:
  • Age 65 or older or
  • Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability or
  • Any age if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Medicare Part A Premiums for Single Individuals

Single individuals who have a work history qualify for premium-free Part A (Hospital) coverage.  That is, as long as you have worked at least 10 years (40 quarters).

If you don't have a substantial work history, you can piggyback on your former or deceased spouse under certain conditions:

• You were married at least 10 years before the date of your divorce was final; or
• You were married at least one year before the date of your spouse's death.

Laws, rules, and strategies are constantly changing. This online knowledge base doesn’t consider every situation. You must ask questions and get answers from your financial advisor.

The materials in this knowledge base should not be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, nor shall any such security be offered or sold to any person in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Products and services mentioned are subject to change without notice.