Juan Hernandez is turning 65 next month, Juan legally entered the United States over twenty years ago but is not a citizen. Since his entry into the country, Juan has worked at Smallcap Incorporated and contributed to the Medicare system. Juan suffers from diabetes. He will soon retire and asks you if he can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that you represent. How would you respond?
Legal residents who have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years and are aged 65 or older are generally eligible for Medicare, as are individuals who have been long-term contributors to the system. The fact that Juan has diabetes does not prevent him from enrolling in Medicare Advantage, as Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) does not deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for Medicare, and his place of birth does not affect his eligibility.
Juan is eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage as long as he is entitled to Part A and enrolled in Part B. Juan should go to the Social Security website to enroll in Medicare Part A and B if he has not done so already. Once he is enrolled, he can choose a Medicare Advantage plan.