Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders Over 65 – Senior Citizen Parents

If you are a green card holder over 65 years old, you may be wondering what your options are for health insurance in the United States.

Health care costs in the U.S. are very high, and having adequate coverage is essential to avoid financial hardship in case of a medical emergency or illness.

In this blog, we will explore the various health insurance options available for green card holders over 65 and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Medicare for Green Card Holders

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to individuals who are 65 years of age or older, people with disabilities, or those with certain chronic conditions.

Medicare has four parts:
Part A (hospital insurance),
Part B (medical insurance),
Part D (prescription drug coverage), and
Part C (Medicare Advantage plans).

Green card holders who are 65 years old and have lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years may be eligible for Medicare.

To qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, either the green card holder or their spouse must have worked and paid Medicare taxes in the U.S. for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If they have worked fewer years, they may still be eligible for Medicare but will need to pay a premium for Part A.

All Medicare enrollees, including U.S. citizens, must pay for Medicare Part B and Part D.

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, offers an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through private insurance companies. These plans often provide additional benefits, such as vision, dental, hearing, and wellness programs. However, they may come with different costs, rules, and restrictions than Original Medicare.

Green card holders over 65 years can enroll in Medicare Advantage plans if they qualify for both Medicare Part A and Part B.

Other Health Insurance Options for Green Card Holders Over 65

If you are a green card holder over 65 years of age and do not qualify for Medicare or if you need supplemental coverage, there are other health insurance options to consider:

Group Health Insurance Plans

Group health insurance plans are offered by employers or organizations to their employees or members. These plans are generally more comprehensive and cheaper than individual plans, as the employer or organization typically pays part of the premium. If you are still working or belong to an organization that offers health insurance, you may be eligible for a group health insurance plan. In many cases, your coverage can be extended to your dependents, such as a spouse or children.

Individual Health Insurance Plans

An individual health insurance plan is purchased directly from a private insurance company. These plans vary in terms of benefits, costs, and networks of providers. Although individual health insurance may provide suitable coverage for your needs, you will be responsible for the entire premium. You can compare and shop for individual health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers coverage that complies with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) standards.

Short-Term Health Insurance Plans

Short-term health insurance plans provide temporary coverage for a limited period, typically from 30 days to 12 months. These plans are designed to cover unexpected illnesses and injuries but may not cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, or essential health benefits. Since short-term health insurance plans are not regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), they may have lower premiums, but they also often come with higher deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Additionally, these plans may not be available in all states and are not renewable in most cases.

Health Insurance for New Green Card Holders Over 65

New green card holders over 65 years of age may face more challenges in obtaining health insurance, as they might not yet qualify for Medicare or other public health programs. However, they can still purchase private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace or obtain short-term health insurance plans for temporary coverage. These options can help cover costs for unexpected illnesses or injuries until they become eligible for Medicare or other public programs.

New green card holders should carefully compare the benefits, costs, and limitations of various plans and consult with a licensed insurance agent or broker to find the best option for their situation.

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance Plan for Green Card Holders Over 65

When selecting the best health insurance plan for green card holders over 65, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• Eligibility for Medicare or other public health programs
• Income, budget, and potential eligibility for premium tax credits
• Health status, medical history, and risk of acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Preferences for preventive, emergency, and long-term care
• Availability and quality of health insurance plans in your area

Before enrolling in any plan, take the time to compare costs, benefits, and limitations. Be sure to read the fine print to understand what is covered and what isn’t. Check whether your preferred healthcare providers and facilities are included in the plan’s network. You may also want to consult with a licensed insurance agent or broker who can help guide you through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Green Card Holders Over 65 Get Medicare?

Yes, green card holders over 65 may be eligible for Medicare if they have lived in the U.S. for at least five years and have paid taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). Those who do not meet these requirements can still purchase Medicare Part A and Part B but will have to pay monthly premiums.

Is Healthcare Free After 65 in the US?

No, healthcare is not free in the U.S. after turning 65. Even with Medicare, beneficiaries are responsible for deductibles, copayments, and premiums. Some people opt for supplemental insurance to cover services that Medicare does not fully pay for, such as prescription drugs, vision care, and dental care.

Health Insurance for Green Card Holders Over 65 in Texas and California

Green card holders over 65 years who are not eligible for Medicare can buy health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace or from private insurance companies in states like Texas and California. Some states, such as California, offer additional health programs for low-income immigrants, such as Medi-Cal. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that lower your healthcare costs.

Benefits for Green Card Holders Over 65

Green card holders over 65 may qualify for several federal and state benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, and housing assistance. However, eligibility for these programs depends on factors such as income, assets, and immigration status, and some benefits may come with a waiting period or other restrictions.

What Happens if You Don’t Get Medicare at 65?

If you fail to enroll in Medicare at 65, you may incur a late enrollment penalty unless you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). This penalty will be added to your Medicare premiums and is based on how long you delayed enrollment.

Health Insurance for Immigrants Over 65

Immigrants over 65 who are lawfully present in the U.S. may qualify for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or Medicare, depending on their eligibility and immigration status. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for these programs but may still receive emergency Medicaid or state-funded healthcare services in some cases.

Medical Insurance for Green Card Holders Over 70

Green card holders over 70 who are not eligible for Medicare can purchase health insurance plans through the marketplace or from private insurers. They may also be able to buy short-term health insurance or visitor insurance until they qualify for a domestic plan. If income criteria are met, they may apply for Medicaid or other public programs, depending on the state they reside in.

Factors to Consider while choosing the best health insurance