Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
Regarding Medicare Part A, an individual who has earned 30 to 39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Most people receive premium-free Medicare Part A after earning 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment. Individuals with 30 to 39 quarters are not fully insured but may still enroll in Part A by paying a reduced monthly premium; those with fewer than 30 quarters pay a higher premium. This two-tier premium structure reflects partial work histories. The premium amounts are set annually by CMS and can be paid on a voluntary basis for those who do not qualify for premium-free Part A.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Premium-free Part A requires 40 quarters of covered work; 30 to 39 quarters carries a reduced monthly premium.
- C) Part A premiums are unrelated to the Part B premium, which is paid separately by nearly all beneficiaries.
- D) Medigap eligibility is tied to enrollment in Part A and Part B, not to a specific credit count.
Memory hook
30–39 credits = Part A with a smaller bill. 40 credits = free. Fewer than 30 = the full bill.