Those who are permanent residents of the United States and hold a green card may wonder if they are eligible for Medicare once they reach age 65. Those who have been issued a green card in the United States may do so because they have a job here, have had asylum granted, or have traveled here to live with a close family member. There may also be other situations that qualify a citizen from another country permanent residency in the United States and can be investigated by the Citizens and Immigration Services.
Most people qualify for Medicare health benefits at age 65, but other residents may qualify because of certain illness or disabilities, or a spouse’s work history. After a permanent resident meets Medicare residency requirements he or she would be eligible for health benefits under the same rules as any United States citizen.