I'm a green card holder who's been in the US for 4 years and turning 65 soon. Am I eligible for Medicare?

Question

Nikki Rowland · Accepted Answer

You must have lived in the US for a min of 5 years. At that time you will likely have a Premium for Part A as well as the normal Part B premium since you have not lived her and worked at least 40 Quarters.

Answered by Nikki Rowland on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC & NC

Answered by Nikki Rowland Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

No.  To be eligible as a green card holder, you must live in the United States for five years before applying for Medicare.

William Lawler · Answer

No. In order to be eligible for Medicare you must have worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) in the USA.

Gary Church · Answer

No! the rules is you have to be a resident 5 years. Since you don’t have 40quarters of work history you’ll pay premium for part A and part B

David Quintal · Answer

No, a green card holder would need 5 years residency in the USA to be eligible for Medicare.
This rule applies even if an individual is turning 65.

Timothy Brown · Answer

Legal residents must live in the US for at least 5 years in a row, including the 5 years before applying for Medicare.

Fred Manas · Answer

No, as a green card holder with only 4 years in the US, you are not yet eligible for Medicare. To qualify for Medicare, you need to have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and lived in the US continuously for 5 years. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Lawful Permanent Resident: You need to hold a green card, which grants you permanent residency in the US. 
Continuous US Residence: You must have lived in the US for 5 years continuously, meaning you've maintained your primary residence in the US during that time. 
Age: You need to be 65 years old or older. 
In your case, you're 4 years into your US residency and haven't met the 5-year requirement. You'll need to wait until you've been a green card holder and lived in the US for 5 continuous years to be eligible for Medicare. 
What happens when you're eligible:
You'll need to apply for Medicare, which can be done through the Social Security Administration or online. 
You may need to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) if you haven't worked in the US for the required 40 quarters (10 years). 
If you do have the required work history, you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). 
You can also enroll in Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you have Part A and/or Part B.

Steve Brauer · Answer

Green card holders have to have lived in the US for at least 5 continuous years and either qualify for a disability or reach the age of 65. They also may have to pay a premium for their Part A hospitalization coverage if they have not worked enough quarters and paid into the Social Security system

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

No 
You must live and work here a minimum of 5 years to qualify for Medicare and social security 
To get part A for no charge you must have 10 years in the United States working 
If you have 5 years you can still get part A but you have to pay a monthly premium for that and it's quite expensive typically 
If you're married and your spouse has qualified credits for the 10 years, then you can piggyback off of your spouse and get Medicare benefits 
This is based on often spouses. Don't work for whatever reason. Just one does and therefore they are eligible to use their spouse's benefits to get Medicare

Mel Stevens · Answer

Original Medicare has 2 primary components. Medicare Part A which covers items like Hospital Visits and skilled nursing, Home Health care and Hospice Care. Per Medicare guidelines in order to be eligible for part A you must have worked 40 quarters or 10 years in the system with the U.S. In general, there is no premium paid for Part as long as you meet those guidelines. However, you could be eligible for Part A at age 65 but you will have to pay a premium for the Medicare coverage. Medicare Part B covers all of your doctors / specialist visits, outpatient surgeries, durable medical equipment, lab work, Cat Scans, X-rays, etc. Depending on the situation you may be eligible for Part B but you would have to pay a premium for the coverage.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm a green card holder who's been in the US for 4 years and turning 65 soon. Am I eligible for Medicare?

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I'm a green card holder who's been in the US for 4 years and turning 65 soon. Am I eligible for Medicare?

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