Medicare/Medicaid

[Dave and Alice 0]

So - I'm off for that citizenship oath soon. I have talked about it with my parents extensively and we all think my petitioning them to come here and live close by will be a Very Good Idea. My Dad was previously working here for 3 years. But they're not getting any younger, so-

My Dad will have a job here (basically he works for an American company, and they have said they will transfer him here if/when he gets the GC). My mother may, or may not. After Dad has worked for 7 more years (and paid taxes, social security etc.), becomes a citizen and retires he will be able to buy Medicare A/B and get SS checks, am I right? Will my mum be eligible to buy it too? (they are married)

I just want to know they will be able to have a proper retirement before I bring them here. Thanks (:

Edited August 17, 2009 by Dave and Alice

[rabia1398 0]

Yes

After 10 years, your dad will be eligible for Social Security (the amount will not be much though since it is based on the average of 35 years of income). He will get Medicare Part A for free and be able to buy into Medicare Part B. As his spouse for more than 10 years, your mom will also get social security (half of his amount) and be eligible for Medicare.

Even if he does not work for ten years, after living in the US for five years, they will be eligible to buy into Medicare. In this case, they will have to pay for Medicare Part A as well (about $500/month/person)

[Dave and Alice 0]

Thanks - re: the 35 years income, do they take the other 25 years as zero or would they count his overseas income? My mother also gets free Medicare A and can buy Medicare B, is that right? Or doe she pay for both?

Edited August 19, 2009 by Dave and Alice

[Dakine 26]

They can also buy AARP supplemental health which pays almost all medical expenses for about $140 a month.

Get prescription drug plans also.

[rabia1398 0]

Thanks - re: the 35 years income, do they take the other 25 years as zero or would they count his overseas income? My mother also gets free Medicare A and can buy Medicare B, is that right? Or doe she pay for both?

They would count the other 25 years as zero since no social security tax was paid on that income.

Your mother also gets free Part A and pays for Part B