Social Security and Medicare Benefits for Immigrants

Medicare is the United States’ national health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Medicare benefits help cover the costs of health care, but it doesn’t necessarily cover the cost of all expenses. There are different parts (Part A, Part B, Part D) that cover various expenses. Medicare benefits for immigrants are no different. Beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private insurance company. Medigap covers some of the costs that Medicare does not, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities may also qualify for Medicare benefits.

Medicare benefits have different categories called “parts:”

• Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or limited time at a skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay). It also covers some home health care and hospice care.
• Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services.
• Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It is only run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.

Part C, now known as a Medicare Advantage Plan, includes all benefits and services covered under Parts A and B. Everything is bundled together in one plan and offered by private insurance companies.

People age 65 or older, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States, may be eligible for Medicare Part A. Most people are eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 through one of the following qualifying events:

• You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security;
• Your spouse (living or deceased, including divorced spouses) receives or is eligible to receive Social Security;
• You or your spouse worked long enough in a government job through which you paid Medicare taxes; or
• You are the dependent parent of a fully insured deceased child.

If you do not meet one of the above requirements, you may be able to get Medicare Part A by paying a monthly premium. Usually, you can purchase this coverage only during designated enrollment periods. For permanent residents (age 65 year or older) who do not meet the above requirements for “free” Medicare, they may be able to purchase coverage through one of the following criteria:

• You have recently become a U.S. citizen through naturalization; or
• You are a lawful permanent resident and have constantly lived in the United States for 5 years or longer.

Therefore, new immigrants generally are not eligible for Medicare benefits. If you are a green card holder, you’ll need to wait five years to purchase Medicare, and you’ll likely need to work 10 years to earn Medicare at no cost.

If you would like to learn more about eligibility benefits, frequently asked questions and average Medicare costs, review this extensive guide on Medicare for green card holders.

Social Security and Medicare benefits for immigrants are available, but not everyone is automatically eligible. Beneficiaries must generally work several years, obtain coverage through another family member, or purchase coverage in some cases.

Disclosure: CitizenPath partners with certain vendors who serve the immigrant community to bring you information about their services. MYRA Wealth is a valued partner, but this is not a sponsored post.