medicare eligible?

[tweety 1]

Just out of curiosity. Had the topic pop up in a conversation recently, but wasn't sure.

Are LPRs actually eligible for medicare? As far as I understand it it is a means based aid (as they look at the applicant's income) and isn't it that one is not eligible for means tested financial aid?

May-be someone knows.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

It depends on how long you have been in the US. At 5 years some means tested benefits will be opened to an LPR others are not.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

You are confusing Medicaid with Medicare. Medicare is available thru SS (age eligible) if you are eligible for SS benefits based on age (62) and quarters paid into SS.

Medicaid is on a needs based eligibility.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

You need 40 units (10 years) of (pretty low) earnings until you get full Medicare benefits, including retirement money. Way earlier (don't remember when it started but it was after about 5 years of filing taxes), you and your spouse and children are eligible for disability and survivor benefits. They'll send you an updated account statement once a year at about this tme. (My wife got hers already; mine is still out.)

[tweety 1]

yes, I guess I meant medicaid - sorry

Edited April 27, 2010 by tweety