Medicare Tax for Canadians working in the US?

Question

Hello,

I am Canadian citizen working in the US via the TN (Technical national) permit. I understand that I need to leave the country once I am not employed.

The Medicare tax is deducted from my paycheck every month. But I cannot enjoy the Medicare benefit when I back home.

Can I get the taxed money back?

Answer 1

Checkt the US/Canadian totalization agreement.  If you were sent to the US to work by a Canadian employer, then you would continue to pay into the Canadian system (after getting a certificate of coverage).  

http://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreeme...  

Answer 2

The medicare benefit cannot be used until age 65.  Many U.S. citizens do not live that long, and receive no more benefit than you.

If you later obtain a new visa/permit that allows you to live in the U.S., you will be able to use the medicare benefit.