Can I Get Medicare if I've Never Worked?

Medicare is the federal entitlement program that provides health insurance for U.S. citizens and permanent residents over 65 or those who have certain health problems, such as Lou Gehrig's disease or end stage renal disease that requires dialysis or transplant. There is a work requirement to qualify for Medicare, but Congress has provided a workaround for those with little or no work histories.

For Those With No Work History

• If you have not worked the 40 quarters required to qualify for free Medicare Part A benefits, you can buy into Medicare provided you meet these criteria: You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with five years of continuous residency; you must enroll in Part B; you must enroll for Part A during the annual enrollment period, or in your first period of eligibility; and you must not be eligible for Medicare under any other provision.

Part A Premiums

• Your monthly premium for Part A depends on how many qualifying quarters of work history you have accrued. If you have never worked, your premium for Part A alone will be $450 per month, as of 2011. If you have 30 to 39 qualifying quarters of work, your premium will be $248 per month. Part A is free if you have at least 40 quarters of coverage. These premium costs are periodically reassessed by the Social Security Administration.

Nonworking Spouse

• If you are a nonworking spouse but your spouse qualifies for Medicare, you may be able to qualify based on your spouse's work history. However, you will not be able to enroll in Medicare Part A until your spouse turns 62. You can still enroll in Part B, however, and Medicare officials suggest you enroll at the first opportunity to avoid paying a higher premium in the future.