Hi. I'd like some advice. My grandmother, who's 70 years old, was just diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. And she'll require chemotherapy to treat it. The problem is this. My grandmother, while a naturalized American, has lived in her native country China for the past couple of years. And unfortunately my family hasn't applied her for any insurance or medicare these years. So now I'm wondering if it's too late to apply for type of insurance, government or private, to help with her treatment. From the looks of it, it's a bit late for her to apply for medicare(I read it's only January-March for applications). Is there another way? Or perhaps through Obama's new plan, where she can apply for health coverage? We'd like her to receive treatment in the US if possible. But the cost would be prohibitive without some sort of coverage. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
do you live in harris county? If so, I would have her apply for a gold card immediately for the HCHD system. While she is applying she can discuss with the social workers there how to apply for medicare.
Try starting here: http://questions.medicare.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/15 A more targeted question: http://questions.medicare.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/150/related/1/session/L2F2LzEvc2lkL2ViU2YtWVpq "(3) If you are a U.S. citizen, over age 65, are NOT eligible for social security benefits and lived in a foreign country when you turned age 65, you must reside in the U.S. in order to file for Part B. You are first eligible to enroll in Part B the month you return to the U.S. to establish U.S. residence. If you enroll in Part B when you return to the U.S. to establish residence, you will not have to pay higher premiums. You should call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to enroll in Part B. See also our FAQs: I want to add Part B to my Medicare. When can I do that?" Medicare Supplements are available guaranteed issue with limited availability in a narrow time frame upon enrollment in Part B. What date did she return to the US. Waste no time in checking into this so that you don't forfeit the possibility of guaranteed issue Med Supp if still available to her.
Call the American Cancer Society, share with them what you shared with us, they will be able to help you explore possible options re: Health Insurance for your grandmother. 1-800-227-2345
