Medicare Part A costs $0 for most people, or up to $565 a month
About 99 percent of people on Medicare pay no Part A premium because they worked at least 40 quarters. Those who have to buy in pay $311 a month in 2026 if they have 30 to 39 quarters, or $565 a month with fewer than 30.
Part A premiums for 2026
| 40 or more quarters of work (about 99 percent) | $0 |
|---|---|
| Reduced premium, 30 to 39 quarters | $311 a month |
| Full premium, fewer than 30 quarters | $565 a month |
| Increase from 2025, reduced | $26 |
| Increase from 2025, full | $47 |
| Reduced premium for 12 months | $3,732 |
|---|---|
| Full premium for 12 months | $6,780 |
A spouse's work record can count. People married to someone with 30 or more quarters may qualify for the reduced premium. Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2026 Medicare Parts A and B Premiums and Deductibles fact sheet (Nov 14, 2025).
What this price covers
A quarter of coverage is earned by working and paying Medicare taxes. Once you reach 40 quarters, Part A is premium free.
What changes your price
- Your work record. 40 quarters means no premium.
- Your spouse's work record. It can lower your premium.
Ways to pay less
- Check your earnings record with Social Security before you buy in. A few more quarters of work can cut your premium to $0.
How we got these numbers
Every number on this page comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that sets the fee. Where we show a total, we only add up the agency's own listed fees so you can see the full cost in one place. We do not add our own guesses and there is no calculator, because the government sets one price for everyone. Fees can change, so check the agency's website before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
Is Medicare Part A free?
For about 99 percent of people, yes.
How much is Part A if I have to buy it?
$311 a month with 30 to 39 quarters, or $565 with fewer than 30.