There are also an estimated 100,000 refugees, victims of human trafficking, and domestic violence, and other immigrants who are already enrolled in Medicare across the United States will
lose their coverage in 2027 under new eligibility rules established by President Trump’s signature policy package, which he dubbed his administration’s “big beautiful bill.”
Previously, certain groups of people who legally immigrated to the United States were able to enroll in Medicare when they turned 65, if they had paid into the program through an employer for at least 10 years. Others were able to enroll because of a qualifying disability, such as end-stage renal disease.
Under the new rules, only legal permanent residents and immigrants from Cuba, Haiti and certain Pacific Island countries will continue to be covered. All others — including individuals granted asylum and those who are temporary humanitarian parolees — will no longer be eligible for Medicare.
“This is pretty unprecedented,” said Natalie Kean, director of federal health advocacy for Justice in Aging, a non profit based in Washington, D.C. that advocates for seniors in poverty. “There’s nothing different about this group of people, in terms of their contribution to Medicare, compared to U.S. citizens.”
