As a green card holder living in the U.S., you may be eligible for Medicare coverage depending on your age, work history, and other factors. It can be difficult to figure out if you’re eligible for medicare as a green card holder but we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to green card holders and Medicare.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medicare Eligibility & Green Card Holders
Q: Do Senior Green Card Holders Automatically Qualify for Medicare in the U.S.?
Not necessarily. In most cases, if the green card holder has been a resident of the U.S. for at least five years, they may qualify for medicare. However, a new immigrant or a recent green card holder won't qualify for Medicare insurance due to the program's specific and strict eligibility criteria. If you're a green card holder who doesn't reside in the U.S. and is just visiting America, you can purchase a plan for temporary health coverage for green card holders for coverage while in the country.
Q: How Do I Know If I'm Eligible for Medicare?
If you're a green card holder, it might be hard to know whether you're eligible for medicare or not. While it's always best to check with medicare.gov, in general, you may qualify for medicare if:
- You're 65 years or older.
- You've recently become a U.S. citizen by naturalization (the process of becoming a U.S. citizen after birth) and haven't worked enough quarters in the U.S. 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.
- You or your spouse have worked in the U.S. and paid Medicare taxes for a minimum of 40 quarters (ten years of work).
Q: How can I Learn More About Medicare Eligibility?
You can visit the U.S. Medicare department online at Medicare.gov or call 1800.MEDICARE (1800.633.4227). Discuss your situation and specialists can help you find the options available for you.
Why Green Card Holders May Need Travel Insurance
If you are not eligible for Medicare, between jobs, or are waiting for your green card to be approved, you may need travel medical Insurance. This short-term medical coverage can be important for protecting you from unexpected medical expenses. While travel medical Insurance is typically associated with international travel, there are also policies available that can provide coverage for medical expenses incurred while living in the U.S.
Green Cards & Travel Insurance
It is important to carefully review the details of any health insurance policy, whether Medicare or travel insurance, before purchasing to ensure that it provides the necessary coverage for your needs. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations that could affect your ability to receive coverage in certain situations.
Although there may be other options to consider for obtaining healthcare coverage while waiting for Medicare, it is important to carefully review the details of any healthcare coverage options to ensure that they meet your specific needs and provide adequate coverage for your healthcare expenses.
Travel Medical Insurance Is a Health Safety Solution
In summary, having health insurance coverage is important for protecting green card holders from unexpected medical expenses while waiting for Medicare coverage to begin. Carefully review policy details and consider other healthcare coverage options to ensure adequate protection while waiting for permanent solutions to your health care needs.
