What is NOT a requirement to qualify for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare, individuals do not necessarily need to have worked for a minimum of 10 years. While the general rule is that individuals who have worked at least 10 years and paid Medicare taxes are eligible for premium-free Part A, there are alternative pathways to qualify for Medicare. For instance, people can be eligible due to their relationship with someone who has sufficient work credits, such as a spouse or parent. Therefore, it is possible for someone to qualify for Medicare even if they have not met the 10-year work requirement, particularly if they meet other criteria such as being 65 years old or having a certain disability.