Medicare for immigrants and non-citizens
Green card holders can qualify. A 2025 law narrowed the rules for others.
Medicare isn't limited to US citizens, but immigration status affects who can get it and how. A federal law passed in July 2025 narrowed eligibility for some lawfully present non-citizens, with coverage for current enrollees expected to end in early 2027.
Lawful permanent residents
Green card holders can get premium-free Part A at 65 if they, or a spouse, have 40 quarters of Medicare-covered work. Those who need to buy Part A or Part B must have lived in the US continuously for at least 5 years before applying.
The 2025 change
Public Law 119-21, signed on July 4, 2025, limits Medicare to US citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and people living in the US under the Compacts of Free Association. Other lawfully present non-citizens, including refugees, asylees, parolees and people with temporary protected status, lose eligibility.
People applying after July 4, 2025, are screened under the new rules now. For people who were already enrolled, the law applies 18 months after enactment; CMS has proposed that their coverage end on February 1, 2027, with notices sent in late 2026. That date is proposed, not final.
If you're affected
- Watch for a notice from Social Security.
- Ask your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or a legal aid or immigration organization, about your options.
- Check whether you could qualify for other coverage, such as a Marketplace plan or state programs.
Common questions
Yes. Premium-free Part A depends on work history; buying Part A or Part B requires 5 years of continuous US residence.
The statute applies 18 months after July 4, 2025. CMS has proposed ending affected enrollees' coverage on February 1, 2027. Check Medicare.gov for the final date.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Public Law 119-21, section 71201, U.S. Government Publishing Office. Checked September 29, 2026.
- CY 2027 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule (91 FR, 16 Jul 2026), Federal Register. Checked September 29, 2026.
- 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.