Medicare for Non-US Citizens
US Expat Married to a Foreigner? Your Spouse May Still Be Eligible for Medicare
Medicare is the federal healthcare insurance in the United States. Most people who benefit from Medicare are US citizens aged 65+ who have worked for at least 10 years in the United States. However, there are certain exceptions when non-US citizens can enroll in and benefit from Medicare.
For many of our clients, the one exception that is most compelling is for a US citizen married to a non-US spouse. In that case, the spouse may qualify for Medicare coverage when they turn 65.
With the costs of health care rising a projected 10.7% in Singapore in 2024 as compared to 2023, and growing in Asia Pacific by 9.9% in 20241, healthcare is a major cost we all need be prepared for as we age and retire, regardless of where we chose to live.
For cross-national couples like this to consider eligibility, you need to be married for at least a year. The US citizen spouse must also receive or be eligible for Social Security benefits and be at least 62 years old. If you meet these requirements as a couple, then the non-citizen spouse may be eligible for Medicare based on the citizen spouse’s work history.
For couples who are divorced or ones in which the US-citizen spouse has passed away, the non-citizen spouse may still be eligible if they have been a widow for at least a year or if they were married for at least 10 years prior to their divorce.
Registration for Medicare opens three months before you turn 65. Non-citizen spouses who qualify under their spouse’s work history are eligible for Part A (hospital insurance) and can enroll in Part B (medical insurance and some preventative care) by paying a monthly premium, the same as US citizens.
To find out more about Medicare eligibility requirements and discuss your specific situation, please reach out to one of our wealth planners.
Sources:
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/consumer-healthcare/medical-inflation-rising-prudent-consumption-fee-benchmarks-can-help-check-healthcare-costs#
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf
https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/medicare-and-marriage
https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/are-non-us-citizens-eligible-for-medicare.html
This material is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Additionally, you should consult with your Financial Advisor, Tax Advisor, or Attorney on your specific situation. The views expressed in the material are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of any market, regulatory body, State or Federal Agency, or Association. All efforts have been made to report or share true and accurate information. However, the information may become materially outdated or otherwise rendered incorrect due to subsequent new research or other changes, without notice. The author nor the firm are able to always verify the content from third-party sources. For additional information about the firm, please visit the MAS Website at https://www.mas.gov.sg/ and the SEC Website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. For a copy of the firm's ADV Part 2 Brochure, please contact us at info@avriowealth.com.