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Enrollment & timing

Social Security Is Mailing Medicare Eligibility Letters to Non-Citizen Enrollees This Month

Thousands of Medicare enrollees whose immigration status may not meet new federal rules are receiving official SSA notices now. Those who do not confirm eligible status face a February 1, 2027 coverage termination.

By the Goodsurance editorial teamNovember 12, 2026

Social Security began sending letters in November 2026 to people enrolled in Medicare whose eligibility cannot be confirmed under a 2025 federal law. The law, Section 71201 of Public Law 119-21, also called the Working Families Tax Cut legislation, limits Medicare enrollment to U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and certain migrants under Compact of Free Association agreements with the United States.

The change excludes groups that were previously eligible, including refugees, people with pending or approved asylum applications, individuals with temporary protected status, and certain crime and trafficking victims. Some people who received Medicare under older rules may now need to establish their status to continue coverage.

Received a letter from Social Security about your Medicare? Your coverage could end February 1, 2027. Here is what the notice means and what to do.

The SSA letter says that enrollees who do not confirm eligible immigration status within the timeframe described in the notice will have their Medicare coverage end on February 1, 2027. Some recipients may still qualify if they submit the documentation described in the letter.

CMS flagged the mailing in its November 12 provider newsletter, reminding original Medicare providers that they can verify patient eligibility in real time through the standard HIPAA eligibility system. Medicare Advantage plans will notify their own enrollees separately.

People who are found ineligible are not entitled to Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies based on immigration status alone. Enrollees with questions may contact the Social Security Administration by telephone or visit SSA.gov.

In plain words

Social Security is sending letters this November to some people who have Medicare. The letter says the person may no longer qualify for Medicare because of a 2025 law. Under the new law, only certain non-citizens can have Medicare, such as people with a green card. If you receive this letter, read it carefully. Some people can keep their Medicare if they send in the right papers. If you do not act in time, your Medicare could end on February 1, 2027. If you are not sure what to do, call Social Security or visit SSA.gov.

Understand the basics first

Source: Social Security Administration
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