Q.Do seniors like parents who are green card holders qualify for Medicare?
In most cases, a new immigrant or a recent Green Card holder may not qualify for Medicare Insurance due to specific and strict eligibility criteria. In such cases, you can buy temporary health insurance providing medical coverage applicable for non-US Citizens. To get a quote on New Immigrant or Green Card Insurance, go to New Immigrant Insurance
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for Medicare? Can a green card holder apply for Medicare?
A US citizen or legal permanent resident aged 65 years or older usually qualify for Medicare. One of the eligibility criteria is that the person or spouse must have worked in the US and paid Medicare taxes for minimum 40 quarters.
If you are a recent green card holder or new immigrant to the US, aged 65 years or older, and never worked in the US, you may not immediately qualify for Medicare
If you don't qualify for free Medicare, you can still purchase it, if the following holds true in your casee:
- 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 are 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 the Social Security benefits
Q. How to get more information about Medicare eligibility and other options?
Visit Medicare department online at Medicare.gov or call 1800.MEDICARE (1800.633.4227). Discuss your situations and options available for you.
Q. How to apply for Medicare for a green card holder?
The first step towards buying Medicare insurance is to enroll in Medicare. Please visit MediCare.gov or call 1800.MEDICARE (1800.633.4227).
Q. What are the options to get health insurance for new immigrants and green card holders?
If you don't qualify for Medicare or any other private health insurance, you can buy temporary health insurance providing medical coverage applicable for non-US Citizens.
