Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
An individual who is age 65 but does not have enough work credits to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
People who have not earned 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment can still obtain Part A by paying a monthly premium. The premium depends on credit history: those with 30-39 credits pay a lower monthly premium, while those with fewer than 30 credits pay a higher one. Enrollment is not automatic for this group; they must enroll during an appropriate enrollment period and pay the premium to receive hospital coverage.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Part A is available on a premium-paying basis to those without full work-credit coverage; there is no permanent bar.
- C) Premium-free Part A requires at least 40 work credits; those with fewer credits must pay a monthly premium.
- D) Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits, not a prerequisite for enrolling in Part A.
Memory hook
Not enough work credits? Part A is still available — you just pay a premium.