Enrollment and costs
- Enrollment periods: You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after.
- General Enrollment Period: If you miss your IEP, you can enroll from January 1 to March 31, but you may face a late enrollment penalty.
- Late enrollment penalties: Enrolling late can result in a higher premium for Part A and a lifelong increase for Part B.
- Premiums:
- Part A: $0 premium if you have 40 quarters of work credits. Otherwise, you will pay a monthly premium.
- Part B: A monthly premium is required, with the amount based on your income.
- Other options: You may also consider Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap (supplemental) plans.
Green card holders are eligible for Medicare if they are at least 65, have been a legal resident for at least five continuous years, or if they qualify based on work history or disability. Eligibility is the same as for U.S. citizens once they meet the residency and, if applicable, work/disability requirements. Premium-free Medicare Part A requires having worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) in jobs where Medicare taxes were paid. Those without the work history can purchase Part A after their five-year continuous residency in the U.S. is met.
Eligibility requirements
- Age: Must be 65 or older.
- Residency: Must have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least five continuous years.
- Work history (for premium-free Part A): Must have worked at least 10 years (40 quarters) and paid Medicare taxes, or have a spouse who meets this requirement.
- Disability: Those under 65 with a qualifying disability can also be eligible.
- Purchase of Part A: If you don't meet the work history requirement, you can purchase Part A after the five-year continuous residency is complete.
Important considerations
- Check your status: Ensure you meet the requirements for being a "lawfully present" immigrant.
- Act on time: Avoid late enrollment penalties by enrolling during the correct period.
- Compare costs: If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, compare Medicare costs with the cost of Marketplace plans, which may be more affordable depending on your situation, notes HealthCare.gov.
- State variations: Medicaid eligibility can vary by state, even for lawfully present immigrants.
