Is this true about non-American CITIZENS and medical insurance?

Question

http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/349813.html

I know of people who are not American citizens, just legal residents and they do receive MEDICAID. And the same for MEDICARE.

Is this part of the story wrong?

Answer 1

Medicare is a contributory benefit program funded by specific Medicare taxes.

If a legal resident has been paying his Medicare taxes legally then he has the same rights to Medicare as he would have if he was a citizen.

Richard

Answer 2

You don't qualify for either if you are a resident alien. You would still be treated in hospital if you had an urgent need.

Of course, states differ in the way they treat people. In some states, the hospitals are not allowed by state laws to check on immigration status, so there is certainly fraud; however, this is not against Medicare/Medicaid benefits.

Answer 3

There was a big news story in Texas about 9 years back about this little girl who needed surgery. The Medicaid office told her that because she was a US Citizen she couldn't get help.I don't know if this still rings true though today.

Answer 4

Medicaid is a public assistance program, aka welfare, not insurance.
Medicare is a S.S. benefit and isn't available to every U.S Citizen, only those who meet the eligibility requirements for Social Security.

Answer 5

If they are not American how are they citizens?
REPORT THEM! NOW!!!