I’m a few years away from turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare, and I would like to sign up for a Marketplace plan in the meantime. I am a lawfully-present immigrant, and I hear there’s a new law about immigrant eligibility for certain health insurance programs. Can I still buy a plan on the health insurance Marketplace and get financial assistance? Will I still be eligible for Medicare when I turn 65?

In general, lawfully-present immigrants (except for DACA recipients) are eligible to buy a plan on the ACA Marketplace. The new law does not affect eligibility for Marketplace coverage for lawfully-present immigrants.

Currently, depending on your income and household size, you may be eligible for premium tax credits to offset the cost of your premiums. However, beginning in 2027, the types of lawfully-present immigrants eligible for tax credits will become much more limited than it is today. For example, while green card holders will still be eligible for Marketplace tax credits, refugees will no longer be eligible.

Typically, Marketplace enrollees must have a household income of at least 100% of the federal poverty level ($15,650 for an individual in 2026) to be eligible for financial assistance on the Marketplace, but there is an exception to this rule for lawfully-present immigrants with incomes under 100% of the federal poverty level who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage due to their immigration status. However, beginning January 1, 2026, this exception will end.

Regarding eligibility for Medicare when you turn 65, due to the new law, you will only be eligible to enroll if you are a U.S. citizen, green card holder, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or a Compacts of Free Association (COFA) migrant residing in the U.S. Other types of lawfully-present immigrants that used to be eligible for Medicare are no longer eligible. Those who are already enrolled in Medicare and do not meet the new eligibility standards will have their Medicare coverage terminated by January 2027.