Chinese parents immigrate

[Boiler 45,426]

You can buy into Medicare after 5 years

[NorthByNorthwest 344]

9 minutes ago, Cathi said:

They will never qualify for Medicare or Medicaid as they never paid into the system and it sounds like they never will. You will have to provide private insurance for them. 

 

Not entirely true since they will be able to buy into Medicare after being legally present in the US for 5 years, at that point they become eligible to sign up for Medicare for the full premium. This is currently $506/month/person for Medicare Part A and $165/month/person for Part B. They would both need to sign up as soon as they become eligible, or there would be additional monthly penalties if they ever want to sign up later.

 

In most states they will not be eligible for Medicaid until being present for 5 years either, and even then probably not if they are part of your household since your income will likely be too high. 

In summary, after 5 years you'll have to pay at least $1,500/month for basic Medicare for the two of them, and that's before any copays and deductibles. During the first 5 years you would have to buy private insurance that will likely cost at least $3-4,000/month for the two of them, also before copays and deductibles.

[Boiler 45,426]

I have not seen ocare premiums that high

[NorthByNorthwest 344]

Just now, Boiler said:

I have not seen ocare premiums that high

 

Most marketplaces don't even show premiums for people 65+ since they are assumed to have Medicare, it gets _very_ expensive with rising age...

[Boiler 45,426]

Just now, NorthByNorthwest said:

 

Most marketplaces don't even show premiums for people 65+ since they are assumed to have Medicare, it gets _very_ expensive with rising age...

They max out due to the multiplier cap

[NorthByNorthwest 344]

11 minutes ago, Boiler said:

They max out due to the multiplier cap

 

Ah, I'm not quite familiar with how that affects things?

I just had a quick look at healthcare.gov for OP's Ohio for a 70-year old couple and the plans ranged from $1,500/month to $4,200/month where the "cheapest" plan has an $18,000 deductible. With any significant health issues OP would spend $36,000 / year before the insurance even starts to pay out...

[Boiler 45,426]

I just looked at Colorado for a 73 year old and my Zip which is expensive. 21 options.

 

Bronze were $700pm and change

 

Silver $1100pm and change

 

So yes not cheap and these are gross no idea what Financial help they would get.

 

One of the advantages of living in California, would be free for new LPRs in this situation.

 

 

[SalishSea 17,786]

2 hours ago, NorthByNorthwest said:

 

Not entirely true since they will be able to buy into Medicare after being legally present in the US for 5 years, at that point they become eligible to sign up for Medicare for the full premium. This is currently $506/month/person for Medicare Part A and $165/month/person for Part B. They would both need to sign up as soon as they become eligible, or there would be additional monthly penalties if they ever want to sign up later.

 

In most states they will not be eligible for Medicaid until being present for 5 years either, and even then probably not if they are part of your household since your income will likely be too high. 

In summary, after 5 years you'll have to pay at least $1,500/month for basic Medicare for the two of them, and that's before any copays and deductibles. During the first 5 years you would have to buy private insurance that will likely cost at least $3-4,000/month for the two of them, also before copays and deductibles.

Excellent summary.  Wish more people looking to bring over elderly relatives would consider the health care cost.

[SnakeBite11 0]

15 hours ago, NorthByNorthwest said:

 

Not entirely true since they will be able to buy into Medicare after being legally present in the US for 5 years, at that point they become eligible to sign up for Medicare for the full premium. This is currently $506/month/person for Medicare Part A and $165/month/person for Part B. They would both need to sign up as soon as they become eligible, or there would be additional monthly penalties if they ever want to sign up later.

 

In most states they will not be eligible for Medicaid until being present for 5 years either, and even then probably not if they are part of your household since your income will likely be too high. 

In summary, after 5 years you'll have to pay at least $1,500/month for basic Medicare for the two of them, and that's before any copays and deductibles. During the first 5 years you would have to buy private insurance that will likely cost at least $3-4,000/month for the two of them, also before copays and deductibles.

 

 

Green card holders older than 65 who are not yet eligible to buy in to Medicare can purchase insurance on the ACA marketplace. The premium price is capped out at the level for those just under 65 - if your state lets you input some numbers to see what's available go ahead and try it just to get an idea of what costs are like in your area.  From my understanding green card holders generally ARE eligible for subsidies - so the cost may be much lower than $3-4,000 a month. Though this may get complicated in some states if incomes are at the level typically eligible for Medicaid (haven't read too much about this part because it's not an issue where I live).

 

My wife is currently petitioning for her parents and this has been a key consideration for us. Very very difficult to find detailed information.

 

Go here for more details straight from the federal government:

https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/lawfully-present-immigrants/

 

Edited August 30, 2023 by SnakeBite11