Legal immigrants and lawful residents are eligible for Medicare if they meet the same minimum eligibility requirements as U.S. citizens. 

How Do I Become Eligible for Medicare if I am a Legal Immigrant or Lawful Resident? 

If you are a legal immigrant or lawful resident, you are eligible for Medicare if you are age 65 or older and have worked and paid Medicare taxes for a minimum of ten years (40 quarters). 

Check how many work credits you have earned.

Some people younger than age 65 are also eligible for Medicare. 

• Younger people with disabilities
• Younger people with health conditions – End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

If you do not have enough work credits, you are eligible to purchase Medicare coverage once you have continuously lived in the U.S. for five years.  

New immigrants, including refugees, are not eligible to enroll in Medicare until they meet the minimum requirements.

Have Questions? Learn More from Banner Health. 

Contact Banner Medicare so we can answer any questions you may have and even help you enroll. 

Call (888) 788-1931 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent.

• October 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
• April 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Friday 

Use our online form to have a licensed sales agent contact you.