Fact Check: Medicare is available to individuals who have worked in the U.S. for 40 quarters.

Fact Check: "Medicare is available to individuals who have worked in the U.S. for 40 quarters."

What We Know

To be eligible for Medicare, specifically premium-free Medicare Part A, individuals must have earned a total of 40 quarters of coverage (QCs) during their working years. This requirement is established by the Social Security Administration, which states that you must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to qualify for various benefits, including Medicare, retirement, and disability benefits (Social Security Credits and Benefit Eligibility).

Each quarter represents a specific amount of earnings, which can change annually. As of 2025, individuals earn one credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings, with a maximum of four credits possible per year. Therefore, to accumulate 40 credits, a person needs to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years (Original Medicare (Part A and B) Eligibility and Enrollment).

Analysis

The claim that Medicare is available to individuals who have worked in the U.S. for 40 quarters is accurate, particularly concerning premium-free Medicare Part A. This requirement is well-documented across multiple reputable sources. For instance, Healthline confirms that the 40 quarters requirement applies specifically to premium-free Part A, emphasizing that the time it takes to earn these quarters depends on an individual's employment history (What Are 40 Quarters of Work for Medicare?).

Moreover, the Medicare Site elaborates that if an individual has worked and paid taxes for at least 40 quarters, they are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A when they turn 65 years old. This is further supported by Medical News Today, which reiterates that 40 quarters of work is a prerequisite for qualifying for premium-free Medicare Part A (Understanding the Medicare Rule on 40 Work Credits, What is '40 quarters of work' for Medicare?).

The sources used are credible, primarily coming from government and established health organizations, which reduces the likelihood of bias and misinformation. The Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are authoritative entities in this context.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Medicare is available to individuals who have worked in the U.S. for 40 quarters is indeed true. Eligibility for premium-free Medicare Part A is contingent upon earning these 40 quarters through work and paying Social Security taxes. This requirement is clearly outlined by official sources and is consistently supported by various health-related publications.

Fact Check: Medicare is available to individuals who have worked in the U.S. for 40 quarters.