To be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, you have to be 65 years or older and you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years of your life. They do not have to be consecutive years. You may also qualify for premium-free coverage if you are 65 or older and meet one of three requirements: You are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. You are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits but have not yet applied for them. You or your spouse was employed in a government job that was Medicare-covered.