Great question! Here’s a detailed guide on how to get health insurance for elderly immigrants in the U.S., whether they are recent arrivals, visiting family members, or pursuing permanent residency:
How to Get Health Insurance for Elderly Immigrants in the U.S.
Who Is Considered an Elderly Immigrant?
“Elderly immigrants” generally refers to individuals aged 65 or older who are either:
- Recent immigrants to the U.S.
- Permanent residents (green card holders)
- Visiting on long-term visas (e.g., B-2, family-sponsored)
- Undocumented or pending immigration status
1. Medicare (For Legal Permanent Residents)
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. However, not all elderly immigrants qualify automatically.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 65 or older
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 continuous years
- Must have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (or qualify through a spouse)
If they meet these conditions, they can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical).
What if they don’t qualify for free Part A?
They can buy into Medicare:
- Part A: ~$500/month (2025)
- Part B: ~$174.70/month (standard premium)
Low-income individuals might qualify for assistance through Medicaid or state programs (explained below).
2. Marketplace Health Insurance (ACA Plans)
Elderly immigrants who do not qualify for Medicare can buy insurance via the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) or state exchanges.
Requirements:
- Must be lawfully present (green card holders, pending asylum, etc.)
- No 5-year wait required for Marketplace plans
- Eligible for subsidies based on income and household size
Tip: Elderly immigrants with limited income may qualify for very low-cost premiums or even $0 plans after tax credits.
3. Medicaid (for Low-Income Elderly Immigrants)
Medicaid is a state-federal program for low-income individuals.
Eligibility depends on:
- State of residence (some states cover immigrants more broadly)
- Age, income, and immigration status
- In many states, lawful permanent residents must wait 5 years
Exception: Certain states offer state-funded Medicaid to seniors without the 5-year requirement (e.g., California, New York, Illinois).
4. Visitor or Travel Medical Insurance
For elderly immigrants not planning to stay long-term, such as parents on B-2 visitor visas, travel insurance plans are the best option.
Options include:
- VisitorsCoverage
- IMG Global
- Seven Corners
- Insubuy
These are short-term health plans that cover:
- Emergency visits
- Doctor consultations
- Hospitalization
- Repatriation/evacuation (optional)
Note: These plans do not meet ACA standards and may not cover pre-existing conditions.
5. State or Local Programs for Seniors
Some states have programs specifically for elderly immigrants, such as:
- California: Covers all income-eligible seniors 65+, regardless of immigration status
- New York State: Offers the Essential Plan to certain immigrants
- Illinois: Offers Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (age 65+)
Required Documents for Enrollment
When applying for any insurance program, most will need:
- Passport or ID
- Immigration documents (green card, visa, etc.)
- Proof of income (tax return, pay stubs, bank statement)
- Residency proof (utility bill, lease, etc.)
Final Tips
- Plan ahead: Enrollment windows for ACA and Medicare are time-sensitive.
- Use navigators or agents: Many non-profits and brokers can help elderly immigrants enroll for free.
- Explore local clinics: Community health centers often offer care on a sliding scale for uninsured seniors.
