My in-laws, who are green card holders, are currently living in NYC and receiving Medicaid through the state. They both have ongoing health conditions and rely on regular doctor visits and medications. Recently, they’ve been considering moving in with us in Delaware. I want to ensure they’ll have similar access to healthcare here before they make the move. They came to the U.S. last year through chain immigration and are in their late 50s and late 60s, with no work history in the U.S.
Any advice on how to proceed or who to consult would be appreciated.
This is a bit complex, so I’ll do my best to provide what I know, but definitely reach out to SHIP in Delaware (known as the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau) for accurate info and guidance.
If your in-law in their late 60s has been in the U.S. for at least 5 years, they could qualify for Medicare. They should apply for Medicare and inform NY Medicaid about it. Delays could lead to complications with medical bills.
Medicaid eligibility is a bit more nuanced. Your in-law in their late 50s may qualify for MAGI Medicaid, while the one in their late 60s would need to meet stricter criteria.
It might help to know more about their income and assets, but if that’s private, I’d still recommend getting in touch with the DMAB for specific advice.
Lennon said: @Linden
Thanks for your advice! They’ve been in the U.S. for just over a year, with no work history or assets to their name.
Thanks for the clarification.
Let me break it down: Let’s refer to your in-laws as A (late 60s) and B (late 50s).
Both A and B should be eligible for Medicaid, but under different criteria.
A can apply for ABD (Aged, Blind, and Disabled) Medicaid in Delaware, while B can apply for MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) Medicaid. Their lack of income and assets will likely make them eligible. Note that having more than $3,000 in the bank or other countable assets could cause A to lose Medicaid. Also, be mindful not to claim B as a dependent on your tax return, as it could affect their eligibility.
Once they reach 5 years of U.S. residency, it would be best for them to apply for citizenship as soon as possible.
A should apply for Medicare with Social Security at the 5-year residency mark. Medicaid will cover the premiums for Parts A and B.
After gaining citizenship, A should apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security.
When B turns 65, they should also apply for SSI and Medicare through Social Security.
To maintain their benefits, they must keep their countable assets below $3,000.
I’d like to add that there’s a specific forum for Medicaid-related issues. You might find more detailed information on the Medicaid side there. Also, u/JenniferJia is quite knowledgeable on these topics.