Article Library Video Library Definitions

Medicare Minute: Medicare and Immigration

Author

Area Agency on Aging

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Area Agency on Aging

Posted on

Nov 12, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

Email US

Click to Email Us

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for Medicare. If you are not a U.S. citizen, but are lawfully present, you may be able to get Medicare coverage, depending on your situation. There are two ways non-citizens can be eligible for Medicare. Let’s learn how.

Do you qualify for Federal Disability or Retirement benefits?

You will qualify for Medicare if you qualify to receive or currently receive:

Social Security retirement benefits
Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Regardless of your citizenship or how long you have lived in the U.S., if you qualify for these benefits, you qualify for Medicare.

These benefits are tied to your U.S. work history, or the work history of a spouse or sometimes family member. Even if you have not been in the U.S. long or have not worked long enough, you may still qualify based on your spouse’s work history or benefits.

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for these benefits or have enough work history, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA).

*If you’re eligible and ready to enroll, or have questions about Medicare eligibility and enrollment, you should contact SSA. You can call the national helpline (800-772-1213), go to www.ssa.gov, or visit your local branch to enroll.

Are you a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for 5+ years?
If you meet both of these requirements—you are a lawful permanent resident and have been in the
U.S. for 5 years prior to enrolling in Medicare—you are eligible for Medicare:

Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) – LPRs are non-citizens who are allowed to live in the U.S. indefinitely. To get LPR status and a “green card,” you must apply with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Five-Year Residency Requirement – The five years begins the day someone arrives in the U.S. with the intention of establishing a home, not just visiting. You can still leave the U.S. temporarily, meaning for no more than six months.

*Use the National Immigration Legal Services Directory to find immigration service providers in your area. You can find the directory at www.immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory/.

Be aware of people trying to steal your Medicare number
Medical identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it to get medical treatment or equipment and bills your insurance for it. Healthcare companies can try to reach people in various ways, like television commercials, radio ads, events, mailings, phone calls, and text messages. Some of them may be legitimate, but some could potentially be scammers trying to steal your personal and/or medical identity information.

Protect your Medicare and/or health ID number and only share it with your health care provider or trusted person. Protect your Medicare card like you would a credit card. Scammers have various ways of stealing someone’s Medicare number and other personal information.
Detect medical identity theft by reading your Medicare statements often. If you see services or prescriptions that you didn’t know about or receive, your Medicare and/or health ID number could be considered “compromised.”
Report potential medical identity theft to your local SMP. It can affect your medical and health insurance records, and your ability to receive services or equipment in the future when it is medically needed. It can also lead to incorrect costs for both you and the Medicare program. Reasons to report:
- You gave out your Medicare and/or health ID number:
  - Over the phone or internet to someone offering additional benefits, durable medical equipment, genetic testing, COVID-19 testing/supplies, back braces, etc.
  - At a fair or other gathering as a check-in or to receive free services
  - In response to a television or radio commercial, Facebook ad, postcard, or print ad requesting a Medicare number
- You are contacted by a debt collection company for a provider bill you do not owe
- You received boxes of bracers, testing kits, or other medical supplies in the mail that you did not request
- A Medicare and/or a Medicare Advantage plan denies or limits your coverage or benefit because of a medical condition you do not have

Download the full handout with local SHIP/SMP contact information to resources and directories (pdf).

For more information call 866-413-5337 or email shineinfo@aaaswfl.org for assistance in Southwest Florida.

The Medicare Rights Center is the author of portions of the content in these materials but is not responsible for any content not authored by the Medicare Rights Center. This document was supported, in part, by grant numbers 90SATC0002 and 90MPRC0002 from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

Medicare Minute: Medicare and Immigration

Other Articles You May Like

Are you or a loved one living with Muliple Sclerosis?

Help Contribute to CAA Research

Help contribute to CAA RESEARCHIntroducing the cAPPricorn-1 clinical trial for people living with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)cAPPricorn-1 is researching an investigational medication called mivelsiran to see if it could be safe and effective. Participating in this trial may be an opportunity to contribute to CAA research.WHO CAN JOIN?Participants with sporadic CAA: 50 years of age or older Have received a diagnosis of CAA from their doctor Participants with Dutch-type CAA: 30 years of age or older Have a known gene mutation for Dutch-type CAA Additional criteria will be assessed by the study team to determine your eligibility.For more information, visit www.AqualaneResearch.com or reach out to the study team: Aqualane Clinical Research 3200 Bailey Ln, Suite 250, Naples FL 34105 (239) 529 - 6780

Care with a Vintage Touch

Town Square University Parkway is a 1950s-themed senior center and adult day program serving Sarasota and Bradenton. Designed to look like a mid-century town, it features storefronts like a diner, theater, art studio, garage, and library that support reminiscence therapyhelping seniors, especially those with dementia, stay engaged and connected.Families consistently give FIVE-STAR reviews, praising the compassionate staff, fun environment, and the noticeable difference it makes in their loved ones lives. One caregiver shared, This program has been a godsend to our entire family.More than just a day center, Town Square offers on-site medical care, including primary care, psychiatric care, therapy services and lab workcreating a one-stop solution for families.Weekly caregiver support groups and educational events include FREE respite care. This gives caregivers a much-needed break while helping them gain the tools and resources they need to successfully support a loved one living with a cognitive impairment.With its unique setting and whole-person approach, Town Square University Parkway is transforming the way we care for seniors in our community, from $18-$21 an hour. FREE for qualifying Veterans. Visit us at 8450 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, or call (941) 277-5048 to learn more.

View Details

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Nutrition 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, Florida, 33916

View Details

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Senior Organizations & Services 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, Florida, 33916

View Details

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Health & Wellness 2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112, Fort Myers, Florida, 33916

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Health & WellnessThe Area Agency on Agings health and wellness programs are designed to help older adults (60+) through education and activity. AAASWFL also provides support programs for caregivers. These free workshops are available throughout our service area (Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties).All of our Health and Wellness offerings are evidence-based, which means they have been scientifically tested and shown to produce verifiable results for people that have completed the workshops.AAASWFLs Health & Wellness programs are funded through the U.S. Older Americans Act.Chronic Disease Self-Management ProgramThe Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) was developed at Stanford University to help people with a variety of chronic health conditions. It is an education program to help people better manage their health and keep them active and engaged in their lives. Small groups meet with facilitators for six weeks, creating a plan to improve their health. CDSMP is for adults with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and other ongoing health problems.A Matter of BalanceDid you know that falling is the most common cause of death and serious injury among older adults? Many seniors begin to restrict their activities because of concerns about falling. A Matter of Balance workshops are designed for seniors who have anxieties about falling or who have fallen in the past. This 4-8 week program helps older adults improve their balance, develop an exercise plan to increase strength and flexibility, and conduct a home safety check, among other topics.Tai ChiTai Chi is a low-impact form of Chinese martial arts that involves slow, controlled, flowing movements. It can help improve hand-eye coordination, enhance health and fitness, improve balance, reduce stress and provide a gentle aerobic workout. AAASWFL offers two different Tai Chi workshops. Tai Chi for Arthritis for Falls Prevention is an 8-week, 16 session workshop. Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week, 24 session workshop.Walk With EaseWalk With Ease is an Arthritis Foundation fitness program that can reduce pain and improve your health. If you can be on your feet for ten minutes without increased pain, you can have success in this program. One-hour classes include group walks and health-related discussions.Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramThe Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is tailor-made for people with arthritis. The AFEP is safe, comfortable, and effective. In one-hour classes, youll reduce stress and learn how to better manage your arthritis. Classes can be done either sitting or standing, depending on your ability and activity level.Caregiver SupportCaring for a loved one can be demanding and stressful. AAASWFL offers caregiver support programs. These workshops are available to caregivers of any age who are the primary caregiver for an older adult or person with a disability. Powerful Tools for Caregivers helps provide confidence, emotional management skills, self-care behaviors, and connection to local resources. Classes are offered in 6-week programs.Find a Class Near You:To find a Health & Wellness class near you, or to request a class at your facility, call the AAASWFL Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 (41-ELDER).

Medicare Minute: Medicare and Immigration

Area Agency on Aging

Nov 12, 2024

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

Email US

Share This

Other Articles You May Like

Are you or a loved one living with Muliple Sclerosis?

Help Contribute to CAA Research

Care with a Vintage Touch

Local Services By This Author

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

Explore Our Many Options