Medicare For Non-Citizen Parents

The US has a large population that is from around the world, from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa… Many people live away from their parents. Every year thousands of parents move to the US to live with their children. It is great to have older parents, aunts and uncles nearby. However, concerns about the health of older people and the financial havoc this could wreak are always prevalent.

Many people are uanaware that it is possible for older people who are not citizens to receive Medicare benefits. If you are a foreigner with permanent resident status, you may qualify for purchasing Medicare. You should have lived in the US continuously for the last five years and should be atleast 65 years of age.

If you have not worked in the US and paid taxes, you will be required to pay Part A premium of Medicare which was $410 per month in 2007. Those who have lived in the US continuously for 5 years can apply for Part A Medicare during open enrollment. Benefits begin after the first premium is paid.

Resident Aliens are automatically enrolled in Part B Medicare along with Part A. The cost for this is $93.7 per month as of 2007. Medicare is much cheaper than private insurance. You can call Social Security at 1 (800) 772-1213 for more information on this subject.