Yes. You don’t have to be a U.S. citizento qualify for Medicare, but requirements hinge on whether you or your spouse worked in the United States and paidMedicare payroll taxes. If not, you’ll have to pay premiums for coverage.
If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 calendar quartersthat don’t have to be consecutive, 10 years total, you can enroll in Medicare at age 65 and getpremium-free Medicare Part A— but only if you’re considered “lawfully present.” In this case, the term designates a legal permanent resident, often called a green card holder, or someone who is legally in the United States.
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If neither you nor your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10 years, you must meet additional requirements. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can qualify for Medicare at 65 if you pay premiums for Part A and Part B.
If you’re a green card holder but don’t meet work requirements, you can buy into Medicare only if you’ve lived continuously in the United States for at least five years.
How much do noncitizens pay for Medicare?
The charges are the same for citizens and noncitizens. If you or your spouse hasn’t paid Medicare payroll taxes for 10 years, the following premiums forMedicare Part AandPart Bapply in 2023:
Part A
- $506a month, fewer than 30 quarters.
- $278a month, 30 to 39 quarters.
- Free, if you or your spouse has worked 40 quarters or more.
Part B
- $164.90a month, the same as for people who have paid Medicare payroll taxes for 10 years.
- $65.90 to $395.60a month additionalfor high earners.
What parts of Medicare can noncitizens enroll in?
Coverage for parts A, B, C and D are possible. Many of the same rules apply to U.S. citizens.
Special enrollment rules kick in if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A. If you’re required to pay premiums for Part A — you’re not eligible for free coverage because you or your spouse hasn’t paid Medicare payroll taxes for at least 40 quarters — you must also enroll in Part B.
You can choose to forgo the more expensive Part A coverage altogether and sign up just for Part B. That means you would have Medicare coverage for doctor’s services, outpatient care and equipment, but not forhospitalizationor care at a skilled-nursing center.
Whether you have to pay Part A premiums or not, you still can buyMedicare Part D prescription coverageif you have Part A or Part B or both. However, you must have Part A and Part B to buy asupplemental Medigap policyor aMedicare Advantage plan.
Keep in mind
If you must pay Part A premiums, you potentially could get help with the costs fromMedicaidor aMedicare Savings Program. Eligibility requirements vary by state, and some have residency requirements. Contact yourstate Medicaid agencyfor more information.
You also may be eligible for help with Part D prescription costs through theExtra Help program. It doesn’t have the same residency requirements as Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs. For more information, and to find Medicare help in your area, contact yourState Health Insurance Assistance Program(SHIP).
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