Medicare Benefits for Immigrants: What Green Card Holders Need to Know

June 11, 2026 · WOWERI

Green card holders may qualify for Medicare after 5 years of residence. Learn about eligibility, costs, and how recent changes affect you. Green card holders may qualify for Medicare after 5 years of residence.

Introduction

Green card holders living in the US may be eligible for Medicare after 5 years of residence. This is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, and certain younger people with disabilities. In this article, we will explore who is eligible for Medicare, what the costs are, and how recent changes affect immigrants.

Who is Eligible for Medicare

To be eligible for Medicare, you must meet the following requirements:

• be a US citizen or be eligible for Medicare as a permanent resident;
• be 65 or older;
• be disabled or have certain diseases.

Costs of Medicare

The costs of Medicare include premiums, deductibles, and copays. Premiums are the regular payments you make for health insurance. Deductibles are the amounts you pay out of pocket for medical services before Medicare starts paying. Copays are the amounts you pay for medical services after Medicare starts paying.

Recent Changes to Medicare

There have been recent changes to Medicare that may affect immigrants. For example, the premiums for Medicare Part B, which covers medical services not related to hospitalization, have increased.

Conclusion

Green card holders living in the US may be eligible for Medicare after 5 years of residence. To be eligible for Medicare, you must meet certain requirements and understand the costs and recent changes to the system.

Source: citizenpath.com