Can green card holders get Medicare?

Question

Jeremy Harkins · Accepted Answer

Yes. Lawful permanent residents, commonly called green card holders, can qualify for Medicare.

For someone age 65 or older, there are two important pieces to look at.

First is work history. If you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough — generally about 10 years — you may qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, just like a U.S. citizen.

If you do not have enough work history for premium-free Part A, there is another rule to consider. A lawful permanent resident who is at least 65 and has lived continuously in the United States for the five years immediately before applying can generally enroll in Medicare Part B and may be able to purchase Part A.

So the important questions are:

How old are you?
How long have you been a lawful permanent resident living in the United States?
How many years did you or your spouse work and pay Medicare taxes?

Someone under 65 may also qualify for Medicare because of disability or certain medical conditions, but those eligibility rules are different.

The key point is: a green card can make Medicare eligibility possible, but citizenship status alone does not determine whether Medicare is free or when you can enroll. Work history and residency matter too.

Christina Campbell · Answer

Green card holders can qualify for Medicare just like U.S. citizens. The key requirements are being 65 or older (or disabled) and having lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 continuous years. If they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years, Part A is typically premium-free. Otherwise, they can purchase Part A and pay the standard Part B premium.

Answered by Christina Campbell on August 22, 2026

Agent Licensed in OH, IN, KY & MI

Answered by Christina Campbell Medicare Insurance Agent

Tina VanPhung · Answer

Depends on the individual.  There is more to it than just a simple answer.  But let's say at least the two conditions below:

Green Card holders must: 

Live in the U.S. for 5 years as a lawful permanent resident → can satisfy the residency requirement for Medicare enrollment at 65.

10 years/40 work credits → generally determines whether Part A is premium-free.

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

If they meet the requirements of eligibility; Yes, they can enroll into Medicare. There are specific requirements for Green Card holders when it comes to Medicare and a Medicare agent (broker) is a great resource for individuals and families navigating eligibility and gathering the required documents to enroll into Medicare.

Answered by Steven Litzsinger on August 22, 2026

Broker Licensed in MO, AL, FL & 8 other states

Answered by Steven Litzsinger Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Yes, that said person a resident of U.S. could get Original Medicare. Either by earning 40 credits to be eligible for  Original Medicare or by a quarterly premium for their Medicare. If they enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B, then that person would be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan where they reside. Thank you.

Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare to get information on all of your options.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/can-green-card-holders-get-medicare#steve-brauer

Can green card holders get Medicare?

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