 Always depends. Okay, so let's look at Part A first. If you or a spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for the required number of quarters, which is usually 10 years, you qualify for premium free Medicare Part A. Remember, Medicare Part A covers hospitalizations and inpatient care. And when you think of Part A, think of inpatient stays in a hospital for an illness or surgery and also think skilled nursing facilities. These are two examples of services covered by your Medicare Part A. But what if you didn't work the number of quarters required to qualify for premium free Part A?