Medicare is a health insurance program that primarily covers U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are aged 65 or older, as well as people with certain disabilities. However, non-U.S. citizens may also be eligible for Medicare under certain circumstances.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in the United States, you may be wondering if you are eligible for Medicare. In this article, we will explore the eligibility requirements for non-U.S. citizens, including who is eligible and how to apply.

Who is Eligible for Medicare as a Non-U.S. Citizen?

Non-U.S. citizens who are eligible for Medicare fall into five categories:

1. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs): LPRs, also known as green card holders, are non-U.S. citizens who have been granted permanent resident status in the United States. To be eligible for Medicare, LPRs must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years.
2. Non-U.S. Citizens Married to U.S. Citizens: Non-U.S. citizens who are married to U.S. citizens and have been married for at least one year may be eligible for Medicare.
3. Non-U.S. Citizens Who Have Worked in the U.S.: Non-U.S. citizens who have worked in the United States for at least ten years and have paid Medicare taxes during that time may be eligible for Medicare.
4. Asylees and Refugees: Non-U.S. citizens who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States may be eligible for Medicare after living in the U.S. for at least five years.
5. Non-U.S. Citizens with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Non-U.S. citizens who have ESRD and meet certain requirements may be eligible for Medicare.

Residency and Work History Requirements

In addition to meeting one of the five eligibility criteria listed above, non-U.S. citizens must also meet certain residency and work history requirements to be eligible for Medicare.

LPRs and non-U.S. citizens who are married to U.S. citizens must have lived in the United States for at least five years to be eligible for Medicare. Non-U.S. citizens who have worked in the United States for at least ten years must also meet this residency requirement.

Asylees and refugees must have lived in the United States for at least five years to be eligible for Medicare. Non-U.S. citizens with ESRD must have been lawfully residing in the United States for at least five years and have paid into the Medicare system during that time.

How to Apply for Medicare as a Non-U.S. Citizen

If you are a non-U.S. citizen who meets the eligibility criteria for Medicare, you can apply for Medicare during the same enrollment periods as U.S. citizens. You can enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is the seven-month period that starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday. If you are eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you can enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period for People with Disabilities.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that primarily covers U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are aged 65 or older, as well as people with certain disabilities. However, non-U.S. citizens who meet certain criteria may also be eligible for Medicare.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen and want to know if you are eligible for Medicare, it’s important to review the eligibility requirements and residency/work history requirements carefully. By meeting these criteria, you may be able to enroll in Medicare and access important health care services.

Remember that Medicare can be a complex program, and there are many different parts and options to consider. If you have questions about your eligibility or how to apply for Medicare as a non-U.S. citizen, call the New York Medicare agents at Plan Medicare and we can guide you through all of your questions. 

In the end, Medicare can be an important resource for non-U.S. citizens who meet the eligibility requirements and need access to health care services. By understanding the program’s requirements and how to enroll, you can take advantage of the benefits that Medicare has to offer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Plan Medicare.