Ask Ms. Medicare: Next year I hope to become a U.S. citizen. Can I get Medicare then?
By: Patricia Barry | Source: AARP Bulletin Today | - Updated January 30, 2009
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Q. I am 70 years old and have never worked in the United States, so I don’t qualify for Social Security or Medicare. But next year I hope to become a U.S. citizen. Can I get Medicare then?
A. As soon as you become a U.S. citizen, you can get Medicare but you must buy into the system. You will pay a full premium for Part A hospital insurance ($443 a month in 2009) in addition to the standard Part B premium ($96.40 in 2009). These amounts usually increase each year. (If your income is high, you may also have to pay more for Part B.) People who are legal residents (green card holders) and have lived continuously in the United States for at least five years can also buy into Medicare in this way.
Patricia Barry is a senior editor on AARP Bulletin staff.
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