Thousands of immigrants set to lose medicare coverage in new year

A significant change in Medicare eligibility rules is on the horizon, affecting thousands of immigrants who have legally resided and paid taxes in the United States. Under a new law, H.R. 1, many of these individuals are slated to lose their Medicare coverage starting February 1, 2027 [Medicare Rights Center].

Impact of H.R. 1 on Medicare Eligibility

H.R. 1, a reconciliation bill passed by Congress last year, introduces substantial changes to who qualifies for Medicare. Historically, Medicare eligibility was extended to individuals who had paid sufficient Social Security and Medicare taxes, regardless of their specific immigration status, provided they had legal residency [Medicare Rights Center]. The new law departs from this long-standing policy by limiting Medicare eligibility to specific groups: American citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and lawful residents from Compact of Free Association states [Medicare Rights Center].

This means that other immigrant categories, including refugees, individuals with pending asylum applications, those with temporary protected status, and victims of crime and violence, are now excluded from the program. Even immigrants who have been enrolled in Medicare for years and have consistently paid into the system will see their coverage terminated [Medicare Rights Center]. While Medicare has always restricted payment for care to those without legal resident status, the new measure broadens the exclusion to many who are legally present and have contributed through taxes.

Advocacy for Affected Individuals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently implementing a proposed rule to address these changes. The Medicare Rights Center has publicly commented on this proposed rule, urging CMS to take steps to mitigate the harm to those who will lose their coverage [Medicare Rights Center].

Key recommendations from advocacy groups include providing timely and comprehensive notification to all affected individuals. They also propose establishing an extended special enrollment period for those whose immigration status might change in the future, allowing them to re-enroll in Medicare [Medicare Rights Center]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) was mandated by H.R. 1 to identify and notify these immigrants by July of this year [Medicare Rights Center].

Understanding Your Coverage

For those who may be impacted, it is crucial to understand these upcoming changes and their implications for health coverage. If you are an immigrant currently receiving Medicare benefits and do not fall into one of the newly defined eligible categories, your coverage is at risk. Staying informed about communications from the SSA and CMS is vital. Consulting with immigration and Medicare specialists may also help clarify individual circumstances and potential alternatives for health care coverage before the February 1, 2027, deadline.