Bringing my mom to the USA to live

[Annabelle 0]

I want to bring my mom to the USA soon and I'm wondering about the health care and coverage for her as a permanent resident. Anybody has been there done that?

[Sylvia_n_Joseph 3]

The problem is the wait as a LPR to bring her here to live if that is your intention. Or are you speaking of visiting ?

[YuAndDan 153]

The problem is the wait as a LPR to bring her here to live if that is your intention. Or are you speaking of visiting ?

Correct, an LPR cannot file an I-130 petition for an immigrations visa for a parent, only a US Citizen can file for a parent, and NOT for in-laws.

So first you need to naturalize and become a US citizen before you can file that petition for your parent.

Or is she coming to the USA to visit?

If just a visit, then google search for visitors or travel medical insurance.

Here is one: http://www.nriol.net/

[Annabelle 0]

I'm getting the US citizenship next year and going to file for my mom after that. I'm asking about this case and the medical insurance for her as a legal permanent resident.

[Don E 0]

I'm no expert on the subject, so I might be overlooking something. But, as far as I know, one's citizenship or residency should have no bearing on the ability to obtain insurance. You should talk with your insurance agent or representative.

[YuAndDan 153]

I'm no expert on the subject, so I might be overlooking something. But, as far as I know, one's citizenship or residency should have no bearing on the ability to obtain insurance. You should talk with your insurance agent or representative.

Correct, the government does not provide medical insurance for permanent residents or even for US citizens, some states provide insurance to citizens that fall below a set amount of income.

I added my wife to my medical policy at my place of employment, but the coverage stops with immediate family members (Wife and children).

You need to talk with insurance companies about getting coverage for your parent once they are in the USA.

[Satellite 1]

Some states provide insurance to citizens that fall below a set amount of income.

I know California provides some form of Medi-Cal to just about anyone who is here legally with a social security number, regardless if they have an I-864 sponsor if you are over a certain age and under a certain income, or are disabled.

But finding private coverage for someone over 50 or 60 is going to cost you an arm and a leg. My recommendation is for mom to get a job with benefits ASAP, even if it is washing floors at your local super market.

[eekee 182]

Some states provide insurance to citizens that fall below a set amount of income.

I know California provides some form of Medi-Cal to just about anyone who is here legally with a social security number, regardless if they have an I-864 sponsor if you are over a certain age and under a certain income, or are disabled.

But finding private coverage for someone over 50 or 60 is going to cost you an arm and a leg. My recommendation is for mom to get a job with benefits ASAP, even if it is washing floors at your local super market.

Yes, my mom is 57 with a chronic illness and not only does she pay an arm and a leg, but they raise the rate frequently.

Edited June 17, 2008 by eekee

[workin4somethin 0]

I want to bring my mom to the USA soon and I'm wondering about the health care and coverage for her as a permanent resident. Anybody has been there done that?

I haven't done that; however, I have an idea. Consider self-insuring until she gains eligibility, if ever, to qualify for employer-sponsored coverage or Medicare. To self-insure, you simply place money in savings periodically for the purpose of paying any medical bills she may incur. You may also consider flying her back home for treatment in case it becomes necessary.

[eekee 182]

I want to bring my mom to the USA soon and I'm wondering about the health care and coverage for her as a permanent resident. Anybody has been there done that?

I haven't done that; however, I have an idea. Consider self-insuring until she gains eligibility, if ever, to qualify for employer-sponsored coverage or Medicare. To self-insure, you simply place money in savings periodically for the purpose of paying any medical bills she may incur. You may also consider flying her back home for treatment in case it becomes necessary.

"Self-insuring" sounds like a terrible idea. Most people who are old enough to have married children have an issue or two with their health already that would require somewhat regular attention/medication. And flying someone all the way to Russia if they get sick? My Russian health insurance airlifts you OUT to Finland in case of a very serious issue, although I have never had any real problem with the healthcare I have received in Russia.

[Annabelle 0]

Thank you for your replies!

I know that to pay for the insurance of a woman around 60 is a lot (and there is no problem finding it). I was wondering about the real experience somebody might have and if immigrants can get any governmental insurance. There are so many russian people after 60 in the USA, hard to believe they pay for their insurance themselves thousands of dollars!

[Satellite 1]

There are so many Russian people after 60 in the USA, hard to believe they pay for their insurance themselves thousands of dollars!

Of course there are. The majority that I know are all like me, Refugees. If you come as a Refugee you get all government benefits including SSI, Social Security, and Medical care. Very few folks at that age came through "family" immigration. And if you are wondering how you we all got refugee status....well it was based on either Religion (Jewish or Baptist); Political (Not a communist and persecuted), and even race works today in the xenophobic Russia. In California it is not a problem as I mentioned before because the state will take on the burden of the elderly and disabled. Not sure what New York, Illinois, Washington, or Florida does, as those states also hold a sizeable Russian population. Lastly, you can always take the slim risk that the government won't enforce the I-864 and if something does happen medically, you mom will still be treated, and since she has no assets and no earnings she is also judgment proof. A bankruptcy can also help clear out medical debts every 7 years. Edited June 18, 2008 by Satellite

[obender 0]

important point is raised here...

and it looks like there is no real answer but to pay "an arm and a leg" for any parent one might want to bring to usa. what is approximate amount i wonder? about 1K a month ? more? does it really cover anything serious?

asking anybody of age above 60 from different country to find a job here with benefits is absolutely rediculous idea (better try and win lottery, say, that one that pays 1K a week for life).

also, some replies here are mildly put - wierd (I'd been frustrated if I started this topic). one would think that some simple thinking process must be in place for writing a reply...

Satellite you're good provider of information, as usual, even though no real breakthrough here. Thanks,

obender

[NYGirl 0]

I can't speak for other states but here in NY there are plenty of FREE medical insurances for people with low income or no income at all. I am sure your mom would be eligible for it ( at least in NY)

[Annabelle 0]

To find a job for an immigrant over 60 years old and with a good insurance is unreal (a lot of americans can't find it) and I don't want her to work (to be eligable for an insurance from work you have to work full time - that's nor for my mom to be 60 in couple of years).

Satellite,

What did you do to come as a refugee? Did you have anybody in the USA before that? Is it a long process and does it have any "undersurface stones"?

NYgirl,

What do you mean "plenty of FREE medical insurances for people with low income or no income at all"? Medacaid? I don't know any others. Bwy I looked at medicaid of our state (Alabama) and they consider sponsor's income, too. With my hubby being a sponsor we won't be qualified.