How Your Non-Citizen Parent Can Get Medicare

Every year thousands of people over the age of 65 move from other countries to the United States to be near their families. Families are thrilled to have their parents, aunts and uncles nearby, but they live in fear that an older person\'s uninsured health crisis could wreak financial havoc on the entire family. Most don\'t know it, but there is a way for older people who are not citizens to receive Medicare benefits in the United States.

Foreign nationals who have permanent resident status may qualify to \"buy\" Medicare coverage if they have lived in the United States continuously for at least five years and if they are at least 65 years old. Most people who have worked and paid taxes in the U.S. will receive basic Medicare (Part A) at no additional cost when they reach age 65. Older people who have not worked or paid FICA taxes in the U.S. will usually be required to pay the Medicare Part A premium ($410 per month in 2007).

Permanent resident aliens who have lived in the US for at least five continuous years can apply for Part A Medicare either when they reach the age and residency requirements or during an open enrollment time: January 1 through March 31 of each year. Benefits then begin July 1st after the first premium is paid.

When a resident alien enrolls in Medicare Part A, unless the person specifically declines, Social Security will also enroll him or her in Part B at the same time. The 2007 premium for Part B is $93.50 per month. Some people believe that it is less expensive to enroll in just Part B, which pays for visits to the doctor, but not for hospitals. However, one hospitalization can have ruinous financial consequences. Not enrolling in Part A Medicare may not be a good financial decision.

It may sound expensive to pay the full cost for Medicare, but it\'s much less expensive than trying to purchase private insurance for an older non-citizen relative. By the time they come to the States many seniors have health issues and don\'t qualify for private insurance at any cost. There are no pre-existing medical restrictions with Medicare, so even seniors with serious health problems will qualify for permanent resident alien coverage as soon as they reach the five year residence requirement.

If you have an older relative who is a permanent resident alien and who has been in the United States for five years, or who is getting close to the five year mark, call Social Security and talk to a representative about getting him or her enrolled in Medicare. The phone number is 1 (800) 772-1213.

You\'ll find a lot more information about Medicare and other resources for older people when you visit The EldercareTeam, where we specialize in giving you important information about caring for parents and other aging relatives: http://www.eldercareteam.com

How to Get a Free Power Wheelchair
In the last 15 years, the motorized wheelchair (also known as the power wheelchair) has made it possible for hundreds of thousands of Americans to reg...

Are You Drowning in Caregiving?
An area of concern that I get asked about the most is finding someone to give the caregiver a break.Most adult children fall into caregiving as a res...

Caring for Your Parent - The Child Becomes the Parent
It is a normal part of the cycle of life. The child grows up and becomes an adult. The adult takes care of their child and grows older and becomes a...

How To Choose A Good Nursing Home
With nursing homes costing anywhere from $3,500 to $10,000 per month (depending on your state), and with the average stay about 2 1/2 years, the total...

Senior Dating, Senior Centers, and Senior Citizen Services
Are you an active senior adult looking for interesting and fun things to spice up your retirement living? There are many resources available to guide...

Should Your Aging Parent Come To Live With You?
Tell people you're thinking about bringing a parent to live with you and your family in your home and half will say, "I'd rather have root canal witho...

How To Understand And Encourage Your Elderly Friends
This is the story of a woman facing aging and disabilities. Even if you are not in this situation, you probably have a parent or grandparent who is.N...

Caregiving: Distinguishing Alzheimers Disease from Dementia
If youre acting as the caregiver for your aging or disabled parent, then you will probably notice the small changes in your parent before anyone else....

Aging Parents - Information You Need In Case Of A Medical Emergency
Today, many adult daughters and sons find themselves called upon to help care for their aging parents. Often that care must be provided in an emergen...

Caregiver Discussions With Doctors And Health Care Professionals
When you are caring for a parent it is important to keep in regular contact with the medical community. Talking regularly with doctors, nurses, pharma...

Aging Parents and Role Reversal
This is the day you thought would never happen. Your roles in life are reversing. Your trying to make decisions for yourself and your Aging Parent....

Is Your Elderly Parent Visiting the Dentist?
Did you know that elderly adults are at greater risk for oral cancer than younger people? In fact, research states that those over 65 have more tooth ...

My Elderly Parents: Safety Tips for the Home
It does not matter if your parent(s) live in a ranch-style home, condo or trailer home, there are safety issues which when properly addressed will giv...

Coping with the Emotional Challenges of Caregiving a Parent
Do you know someone acting as a caregiver to an aging or disabled parent, maybe a friend, loved-one, or a co-worker? Are you serving as the role of c...

How To Find Resources In The Community For Your Aging Parent
When you're the person responsible for providing care for your aging parents, life can become quite hectic. This situation is particularly stressful f...