Part A premiums in 2026
| Your or your spouse's work history | 2026 Part A monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 40 or more quarters of Medicare-taxed work | $0 |
| 30 to 39 quarters | $311 |
| Fewer than 30 quarters | $565 |
CMS hasn't published the 2027 Part A amounts yet. Social Security calls quarters "credits"; you can earn up to four a year. You can check your record in a my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
Who usually pays a premium
- People who moved to the U.S. later in life and don't have 10 years of U.S. work, and whose spouse doesn't either.
- Some people who worked mostly in jobs not covered by Medicare taxes and whose spouse didn't qualify.
In most cases, if you buy Part A, you must also have Part B and pay premiums for both.
What else Part A costs in 2026
| Part A cost | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Hospital deductible, each benefit period | $1,736 |
| Hospital days 61–90, per day | $434 |
| Lifetime reserve days, per day | $868 |
| Skilled nursing facility days 21–100, per day | $217 |
Help paying Part A in Oklahoma
OKDHS says the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program pays your Medicare premiums, coinsurance and deductibles. If you have limited income and resources and owe a Part A premium, you can visit or call your OKDHS Human Services Center to apply for help paying Part A and Part B premiums. OKDHS says you'll complete an application and an interview, and get a decision by mail in 30 to 60 days. See Medicare Savings Programs in Oklahoma.
Get help
A licensed insurance agent who works with Benefits Life can explain how Part A costs work with Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. See also Medicare Part A and Medicare costs in 2026.
Related questions
How much does Medicare cost per month?
All the pieces.
How much is Part B in 2027?
Where the amounts stand.
How do I sign up for Medicare?
Applying with Social Security.
Sources
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
- Medicare.gov — Medicare costs
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
- Social Security — Medicare eligibility
- Oklahoma Human Services — Help with Medicare Part A and B premiums
More questions in this guide
- How do I lower my IRMAA after I retire?
- How much does Medicare cost per month in Oklahoma?
- How much is Medicare Part B in 2027?
- What is IRMAA and will I have to pay it?
- What is the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap for 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare costs in 2026 for Oklahomans · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I get premium-free Part A on my spouse's work record?
Yes, if your spouse has 40 quarters and you're 65 or older. That can apply if you're married, divorced after at least 10 years of marriage, or widowed, depending on the details. Social Security checks this when you apply.
Is there a penalty if I buy Part A late?
Yes, if you must pay a premium and don't sign up when first eligible. Your premium may go up 10%, and you pay the higher amount for twice the number of years you could have had Part A but didn't.
Does Part A cost anything besides the premium?
Yes. Even with no premium, you pay a deductible for each hospital benefit period ($1,736 in 2026) and daily coinsurance for long hospital or skilled nursing facility stays. Medigap or Medicare Advantage can help with these costs.
Medicare in your Oklahoma county
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