Question

Which one of the following components of Medicare does an eligible beneficiary not have to pay a monthly premium?

1) Medicare B
2) Medicare A
3) Medicare Advantage
4) Medicare D

Answer 1

The eligible beneficiary does not have to pay a monthly premium for 2) Medicare A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. The different components of Medicare, labeled A, B, C (Medicare Advantage), and D, cover various aspects of healthcare. Medicare Part A, often referred to as hospital insurance, typically does not require a monthly premium for eligible beneficiaries.

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. Most individuals who have worked and paid Medicare taxes for a sufficient duration during their employment are eligible for premium-free Part A. This is based on the concept of "quarters of coverage," where individuals earn credits for their work, and once a certain number of credits is reached, they become eligible for premium-free Part A.

While other components of Medicare, such as Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage), may have associated monthly premiums, Medicare Part A stands out as an exception for many beneficiaries who meet the specified work history criteria. This distinction is crucial for understanding the cost structure and coverage provided by the different parts of the Medicare program.

therefore, the correct answer is 2) Medicare A