Q. Do seniors and parents who are green card holders qualify for Medicare in the U.S.?
In most cases, 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 do not qualify for Medicare, you can buy temporary health insurance which provides medical coverage applicable for non-U.S. 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?
To qualify for Medicate, a person must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who is past their 65th birthday. Additionally, the person or their spouse must have worked in the U.S. and paid Medicare taxes for minimum 40 quarters.
If you are a recent green card holder or new immigrant to the U.S., and/or haven't worked in the U.S., you may not immediately qualify for Medicare.
If you don't qualify for free Medicare, you can still purchase it, if the following applies to you:
- You're 65 years or older
- You have 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 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 Social Security benefits.
Q. How can I get more information about Medicare eligibility and my other options?
You can visit 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.
Q. How can a green card holder apply for Medicare?
To begin the process of enrolling in Medicare, visit MediCare.gov or call 1800.MEDICARE (1800.633.4227).
Q. What other health insurance options are there for new immigrants and green card holders?
If you don't qualify for Medicare or other private health insurance, you can buy temporary health insurance for medical coverage in the USA for non-US Citizens.
