I am not sure if this is the correct forum for this question, but I will try. My father in law recently migrated to United States on Green card and living with me in New Jersey. He is 74 years old, I just need some directions to how get medical insurance for him. Does he qualify for any State plans or we have to buy a private insurance, please advise
New Jersey's Department of Human Services has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (called SHIP), where there are staff and volunteers trained in health insurance counseling. They can answer questions, screen for eligibility for different programs, and point you in the right direction. The main toll-free number is statewide, but they can connect you with your local office (I won't put the dashes in, in case AgingCare won't let me post a phone number): 1 800 792 8820.
Medicare: If you are a new immigrant aged 65 and above, and been a permanent resident for 5 years or more, you may purchase Medicare from the government. This will have monthly premium for Parts A/B/D.
For a new immigrant, the only available immediate health insurance solution is to get a short term Health insurance. Many insurance carriers offer private policies.
For More Information On Medicare visit http://cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare.asp
If you are asking about Medicaid (which has specific income and asset criteria):
If you are a new immigrant, and satisfy the eligibility criteria, you can call up the Medicaid Services in your state. For questions about New Jersey Medicaid, call 1-800-356-1561 or your County Welfare Agency
For questions about NJ FamilyCare call 1-800-701-0710
You can also get information by visiting NJHelps.org, where you can self-screen for eligibility for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid, as well as for many other social service programs.