Medicare and Americans Abroad

With a Focus on the Part B 10% Late Enrollment Penalty

For Americans living abroad, turning 65 can create a Medicare dilemma. Medicare generally does not cover medical care overseas, yet delaying enrollment in Part B can result in a permanent 10% increase in premiums for every year of delay for those who enroll after age 65. This paper sets out some basics of Medicare, including the differences among Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, and how it functions for non-resident Americans. The paper also explains the Part B late enrollment penalty, the limited circumstances in which alternative health coverage can protect against the penalty, and the financial considerations involved in enrolling, or not, at age 65.The paper also sets out AARO’s advocacy positions on Medicare.

Download the paper.