Do green card holder senior person like parents qualify for Medicare?
In most cases, a new immigrant or recent Green Card holder may not qualify for Medicare Insurance due the strict eligibility criteria.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Medicare? Can a Green Card Holder Apply for Medicare?
Any US citizens or permanent resident aged 65 years or older, who have worked in the US and paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters is eligible for Medicare. Even individuals whose spouses have paid Medicare taxes in the country for 40 quarters are eligible for the same.
If you're a recent green card holder or new immigrant to the United States and are 65 years or older, it will be tough for you to get reasonably priced health care coverage with decent coverage. For US citizens who have worked in the US for 40 quarters or more have the option of free Medical insurance in the form of Medicare. If you don't qualify for free Medicare, you can still purchase Parts A and B if the following holds true in your case:
- You're 65 years or older.
- You have recently become a US citizen by naturalization and haven't worked enough quarters to have social security coverage.
- You're a lawfully admitted alien (green card holder) and have constantly lived in the United States for 5 years or longer and don't qualify for social security benefits.
How to Apply for Medicare for A Green Card Holder?
The first step to purchasing Medicare insurance is to enroll in Medicare Part B by calling 1800.MEDICARE (1800.633.4227). After you have purchased Medicare Part B, you can enroll for Medicare Part A.
What are the Options to Get Health Insurance for New Immigrant and Green Card Holders?
If you dont qualify for Medicare, you may want to consider a Medicare style private insurance plan - Travel Insurance for seniors
