AGE BARRIER

[Gosia & Tito 199]

The public charge requirements become an issue with older beneficiaries, since it's likely they'll need health care in the US. Unless it's likely they'll be able to put in the requisite 40 quarters of SSA work credits, they won't be eligible for Medicare without paying a premium. If there is no private health coverage then the consulate may want to see evidence that the petitioner and/or beneficiary can afford these premiums, in addition to the minimum income/assets requirement.

Most people who must pay for Medicare part A are also required to purchase Medicare part B. For someone without any SSA work credits, the premiums for part A coverage are $450 per month. Part B coverage is $115 per month, unless your income is relatively high. That's an additional $6780 per year, on top of the minimum income/assets of 125% of the poverty guidelines.

This doesn't have any effect on getting the petition approved, though.

I might be wrong, but the SSA reports we get every year about the benefits do not say anything about the spouse needing to have worked the 40 quarters. Moreover, in the past, when it was common that wives did not work, Didn't they get benefits from the husband??