Is Medicare mandatory?? (You never know after Obamacare.......)

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by Mika123

So she ended up going to the SS office and when she asked they said that because she has been in the US (permanent resident) for only 4 years she is not eligible, if it were 5 years she would have been eligible to get medicare for free. They told her to gi back next year and she won't have any penalties, does it sound right?

Thanks

Ps they didn't give her any letters indicating that she showed up and enquired about this.

You may be confusing Medicaid with Medicare. A non US Citizen can not receive Medicaid until they have been in the US for at least 5 years. This is part of the "non public charge" agreement that a person has to sign to become a permanent resident.


IF the person applying to become a permanent resident does not have sufficient income they have to be sponsored by someone.


Its possible that New York state has different rules or grants exceptions. I do not know the rules in all 50 states. IF your friend has Medicaid I wouldn't draw any attention to that and let it be.

[Mika123]

NY State has indeed different rules and permanent residents who haven't lived in the US for 5 years yet CAN receive medicaid.

Now we have another issue:

Medicaid plan expired when she turned 65 and they said that that plan was for individuals under than 65.

She is not qualified for medicare.

As of the end of January she will be left with no insurance as with her income she can't afford one and medicare won't provide one.

What are her options???

Thanks

[Ariadne22]

Do you know for a fact that NY will not transfer her to Medicaid for those over 65?

Short story is if NY is willing to provide Medicaid to non-citizens under age 65, which they have for your friend, NY should then be willing to extend Medicaid for non-citizens 65+ - whether or not they qualify for Medicare.

She needs to talk to NY social services and/or reapply.

[Mika123]

I am calling them tomorrow to ask

[Mika123]

Update:

So is isn't eligible for medicaid though the STATE of NY anymore because she turned 65 BUT now she MAY be alive for medicaid through the CITY of NY (so messed up).
They sent her a form to fill out and send back.
The market place had no suitable enough plan she can afford.
She is not eligible for medicare yet ..... what can she do if medicaid won't find her eligible either???? Eldery with no insurance?? This is ridiculous.

[Ariadne22]

Chances are NYC will have some help. If you haven't already, explore the links on this page:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ochia/find...mmigrants.page

[Mika123]

Originally Posted by Ariadne22

Chances are NYC will have some help. If you haven't already, explore the links on this page:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ochia/find...mmigrants.page

Thank you!!