Applying for Medicare as an expat or new US citizen

If you’re looking to retire to the USA and take citizenship, you’ll need to know about applying for Medicare.

Up to a million immigrants head for the USA every year, all hoping to become USA citizens in spite of the long wait due to the huge number of applications. Some get lucky and only wait for six months or so, but others are in the queue for up to two years, giving them plenty of time to check out their Medicare requirements.

Eligibility begins at 65 years of age, with applications taken during the annual General Enrolment Period (GEP) between January 1 and March 1. If you’ve received your citizenship before your 65th birthday, you should apply three months before that date. For expats of any age who’re living and working in the USA as green card holders or new immigrants, Medicare can be applied for once you’ve lived continuously in the USA for five years.

Medicare Part A covers in-patient hospital stays, and is free for those who’ve paid in to social security for 10 years – fine if you’re 50 years old and working as you’ll have made enough contributions by the time you retire to get it for free. For those with less than 30 work credits, the cost is $437 monthly, and for those with between 30 and 40 credits it’s $240 monthly. Medicare Part B covers essential GP doctor services and costs $135.50 per month, and a number of other plans based on location, gender and age can also be purchased.

Applying for Medicare can be done in a number of ways, including in person at your local Social Security office, online at the Social Security website or even by requesting an application form via your phone, filling it in and sending it back. Expats who’ve obtained US citizenship shouldn’t have any problems registering for Medicare, but immigrants without US citizenship will need to apply in person at your local Social Security office.