Can I enroll in Medicare if I've never paid into Social Security due to working overseas?
Answered by 18 licensed agents
Medicare Eligibility Without U.S. Work History
To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years before applying.
While most people receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premium-free by earning 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work paying into Social Security), you can still enroll in Medicare by paying premiums if you haven't met this requirement
Costs Without Work Credits
Part A (Hospital Insurance): If you have fewer than 30 work credits, you'll pay the full premium for Part A. For 2025, this premium is up to $505 per month.
Social Security
Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B requires a monthly premium for all enrollees, regardless of work history. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is $185 per month
Answered by Curtis Stoner on May 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in TN, KY & LA
Answered by Darlene Murphy on May 27, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, ID & 7 other states
Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Premium-free Part A:
If you haven't worked enough quarters (40 quarters) to qualify for premium-free Part A, you'll need to pay a premium to enroll in Part A.
Part B:
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has been living in the U.S. for at least 5 years, you can enroll in Part B.
Special Enrollment Period:
When you return to the U.S. as a permanent resident, you will have a special enrollment period to enroll in Part A and Part B without late enrollment penalties.
Enrollment outside the U.S.:
If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad and don't qualify for Social Security benefits, you cannot enroll in Medicare until you return to the U.S.
Enrollment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
If you are living abroad and wish to enroll in Medicare, you can do so by contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Answered by Fred Manas on April 23, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A: You might be able to buy it. You’ll pay either $285 or $518 each month for Part A, depending on how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes.
Part B costs
$185 each month (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You’ll pay the premium each month, even if you don’t get any Part B-covered services.
Who pays a higher Part B premium because of income? go to Medicare.gov for the income chart
You might pay a monthly penalty if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65). You’ll pay the penalty for as long as you have Part B. The penalty goes up the longer you wait to sign up. Find out how the Part B penalty works and how to avoid it.
Answered by Marcie Barnes on June 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
Keeping in mind that someone who have never worked or worked for fewer than ten (10) years may have to pay a monthly premium for Part A (hospital coverage).
Answered by Linda Davies on May 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL
Answered by Robert Remin on May 19, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, FL & NJ
It is possible that you would come out better on the ACA coverage.
Answered by Fran Lovelace on May 13, 2025
Agent Licensed in NC, SC & VA
Answered by Ron Gambles on April 9, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN
Answered by Albert Smith on April 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in IL, FL, GA & 6 other states
Answered by Kerwyn Jones on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 21 other states
Answered by Dan Green on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC
Answered by Toni Johnson on May 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, IN, MO & 5 other states
Answered by Carl-Daniel Cole on May 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, AL, AR & 23 other states
Part B and Part D work the same for everyone—you pay the regular monthly premiums and must enroll during the proper windows to dodge late penalties. You’ll also need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who’s lived stateside at least five consecutive years. Bottom line: Medicare is still on the menu, it just may cost a bit more.
Let’s talk through the math and timing so your re‑entry to the U.S. health system is smooth and penalty‑free
Answered by Joshua Filmore on April 22, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AR, GA & 6 other states
If you have worked for 30 quarters you will have to pay $285 in 2025.
If you have worked less than 30 quarters you will need to pay the full cost of $585 in 2025.
You may also be eligible based on a working spouses work history.
Answered by Rick Ried on May 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Answered by Andrew Firmin on April 28, 2025
Broker Licensed in MA, CT, DE & 13 other states
Tags: Enrollment Periods New To Medicare Social Security The Medicare System
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