Can immigrants enroll in Medicare? I heard there is a new law that changes Medicare coverage for immigrants, including those that are lawfully present. How will it affect me?

It depends on your status as a lawfully-present immigrant. Prior to a new law enacted in 2025, residents of the U.S., including citizens, permanent residents, and lawfully present immigrants, were eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A if they worked at least 40 quarters (10 years) in jobs where they or their spouses paid Medicare payroll taxes and were at least 65 years old. Lawfully-present immigrants age 65 or older without this work history could purchase Medicare Part A after residing legally in the U.S. for five continuous years. Those under age 65 with disabilities could also qualify for Medicare, but typically first had to meet the same eligibility requirements for SSDI (disability benefits) that apply to citizens. These requirements are based on work history, payment of Social Security taxes on income, and having enough years of Social Security taxes accumulated to equal between 20 and 40 work credits (5-10 years).

Starting in July 2025, Medicare eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens, permanent residents (i.e., green card holders), Cuban-Haitian entrants, and people residing under the Compacts of Free Association. This means that lawfully present immigrants who don’t meet these criteria, such as refugees, asylees, and people with Temporary Protected Status, will no longer be eligible for Medicare. If you currently have Medicare coverage and do not meet these criteria, your Medicare coverage will be terminated no later than January 2027.

Keep in mind that new immigrants are not eligible for Medicare regardless of their age. If you meet the criteria above and satisfy the residency requirements, your eligibility and enrollment process will work the same as they do for others.