Health Insurance and Parents (non US citizens)

[zonester]

Not sure if there are others in my situation, but Im a US citizen who is finally able to bring my elderly (75+) non-US citizen parents to the US. They intend to just visit for 6 months but I'd like explore whether I can bring them permanently here (visitor --> GC --> USC). They currently have some crappy health insurance for their 6 month visit from their home country. What are the healthcare options for them till they potentially eventually get on Medicare in 5-6 years? ACA? Any tips on keeping their premiums reasonable? (Note that they have no US experience and therefore no US income). TIA!

[Longdog]

Why would they be eligible for Medicare in 5-6 years?

[Duckie]

Not sure if there are others in my situation, but Im a US citizen who is finally able to bring my elderly (75+) non-US citizen parents to the US. They intend to just visit for 6 months but I'd like explore whether I can bring them permanently here (visitor --> GC --> USC). They currently have some crappy health insurance for their 6 month visit from their home country. What are the healthcare options for them till they potentially eventually get on Medicare in 5-6 years? ACA? Any tips on keeping their premiums reasonable? (Note that they have no US experience and therefore no US income). TIA!

Can they even get Medicare if they have zero US work history? The only exception I found was for refugees with no US work history. And they only get Medicare five years after being granted status. I don't think your parents will qualify.

[newacct]

Can they even get Medicare if they have zero US work history? The only exception I found was for refugees with no US work history. And they only get Medicare five years after being granted status. I don't think your parents will qualify.

I believe they can pay the premium for Medicare Part A if they do not have enough SS/Medicare credits. (After having a GC for 5 years, that is.)

[newacct]

What are the healthcare options for them till they potentially eventually get on Medicare in 5-6 years? ACA?

Yes, they can buy a plan from the ACA marketplace once they have a green card or EAD, and they can get the subsidy for it if their income is low enough.

In a few states, green card holders (who meet the Medicaid income requirements) can get Medicaid immediately after getting green card, without waiting 5 years. In a few states, elderly people (who meet the Medicaid income requirements) can get Medicaid regardless of immigration status.

[Tom_T]

Can they even get Medicare if they have zero US work history? The only exception I found was for refugees with no US work history. And they only get Medicare five years after being granted status. I don't think your parents will qualify.

I believe they can pay the premium for Medicare Part A if they do not have enough SS/Medicare credits. (After having a GC for 5 years, that is.)

It's expensive. They could pay up to $506/month (each.) Add the Part B premium and Part D costs, and it's a lot of money per month.