Petition on old parents (70+ 80+)

[zwj 0]

I am applying my parents for immigration to US from China. My mom is 73 and my dad is 82. They just want to come here for visit. My parents have three children. I am the littlest one in the family. My two elder brothers are still in China. I married my husband and moved here about 10 years ago. My parents miss me a lot and they want to come here to see how my life is. They don't plan to stay long. They are getting old and this is their wish. I really want to fulfill their wish. They have tired to apply the tourist visas, but no luck with that. That’s why I decide to apply them as immigration. But thing doesn’t seem easier either. Their visas are denied and they are asked to provide the “Evidence of intended insurance in United States”. Have anyone prepared this kind of document in the past? It will be greatly appreciated that if you can share more information with me.

[TayRivers 4]

I am applying my parents for immigration to US from China. My mom is 73 and my dad is 82. They just want to come here for visit. My parents have three children. I am the littlest one in the family. My two elder brothers are still in China. I married my husband and moved here about 10 years ago. My parents miss me a lot and they want to come here to see how my life is. They don't plan to stay long. They are getting old and this is their wish. I really want to fulfill their wish. They have tired to apply the tourist visas, but no luck with that. That's why I decide to apply them as immigration. But thing doesn't seem easier either. Their visas are denied and they are asked to provide the "Evidence of intended insurance in United States". Have anyone prepared this kind of document in the past? It will be greatly appreciated that if you can share more information with me.

You will need to submit quotes from health insurance companies showing the cost that will be involved for both your parents. It will be very expensive to get them medical insurance, it is going to cost my parents $1054.00 per month for them both. My parents are in their 60's and I know that the older they are the more it costs.

You or your parents will need to have evidence that you or them can afford to pay for that medical insurance.

[ptrober 0]

I am applying my parents for immigration to US from China. My mom is 73 and my dad is 82. They just want to come here for visit. My parents have three children. I am the littlest one in the family. My two elder brothers are still in China. I married my husband and moved here about 10 years ago. My parents miss me a lot and they want to come here to see how my life is. They don't plan to stay long. They are getting old and this is their wish. I really want to fulfill their wish. They have tired to apply the tourist visas, but no luck with that. That's why I decide to apply them as immigration. But thing doesn't seem easier either. Their visas are denied and they are asked to provide the "Evidence of intended insurance in United States". Have anyone prepared this kind of document in the past? It will be greatly appreciated that if you can share more information with me.

You will need to submit quotes from health insurance companies showing the cost that will be involved for both your parents. It will be very expensive to get them medical insurance, it is going to cost my parents $1054.00 per month for them both. My parents are in their 60's and I know that the older they are the more it costs.

You or your parents will need to have evidence that you or them can afford to pay for that medical insurance.

Just out of interest, since when has this been a requirement? There is nothing on the USCIS website about it and I can find nothing on Google for anyone else being denied for this reason. Is it actual policy or was an individual IO having a bad day? So long as all other criteria are met and from the Federal position you have an acceptable I-864, why does it matter? If you continue the logic, why not refuse someone for not demonstrating means for paying a credit card bill or for that matter being approved for one. Since when has the government prevented immigration due to potential civil debts being incurred?

It seems a loophole given that it is almost impossible to get thorough coverage when aged over 65 as you are medicare ineligible and mainstream private insurers won't insure over 65. I'm not going to get into the whole healthcare reform debate, but if this hole in the system gets plugged as a result it would be great!

[TayRivers 4]

I am applying my parents for immigration to US from China. My mom is 73 and my dad is 82. They just want to come here for visit. My parents have three children. I am the littlest one in the family. My two elder brothers are still in China. I married my husband and moved here about 10 years ago. My parents miss me a lot and they want to come here to see how my life is. They don't plan to stay long. They are getting old and this is their wish. I really want to fulfill their wish. They have tired to apply the tourist visas, but no luck with that. That's why I decide to apply them as immigration. But thing doesn't seem easier either. Their visas are denied and they are asked to provide the "Evidence of intended insurance in United States". Have anyone prepared this kind of document in the past? It will be greatly appreciated that if you can share more information with me.

You will need to submit quotes from health insurance companies showing the cost that will be involved for both your parents. It will be very expensive to get them medical insurance, it is going to cost my parents $1054.00 per month for them both. My parents are in their 60's and I know that the older they are the more it costs.

You or your parents will need to have evidence that you or them can afford to pay for that medical insurance.

Just out of interest, since when has this been a requirement? There is nothing on the USCIS website about it and I can find nothing on Google for anyone else being denied for this reason. Is it actual policy or was an individual IO having a bad day? So long as all other criteria are met and from the Federal position you have an acceptable I-864, why does it matter? If you continue the logic, why not refuse someone for not demonstrating means for paying a credit card bill or for that matter being approved for one. Since when has the government prevented immigration due to potential civil debts being incurred?

It seems a loophole given that it is almost impossible to get thorough coverage when aged over 65 as you are medicare ineligible and mainstream private insurers won't insure over 65. I'm not going to get into the whole healthcare reform debate, but if this hole in the system gets plugged as a result it would be great!

I guess the IO can look at this with regard to becoming a public charge. If you can not pay your credit card bill, there is no way the Government will step in with public money to help you... if on the other hand you are in need of medical treatment and do not have medical insurance then the Government will step in and use public dollars, you have then become a public charge.

Over 65's can get medical insurance but it is not cheap.

[aaron2020 11,651]

I am applying my parents for immigration to US from China. My mom is 73 and my dad is 82. They just want to come here for visit. My parents have three children. I am the littlest one in the family. My two elder brothers are still in China. I married my husband and moved here about 10 years ago. My parents miss me a lot and they want to come here to see how my life is. They don't plan to stay long. They are getting old and this is their wish. I really want to fulfill their wish. They have tired to apply the tourist visas, but no luck with that. That's why I decide to apply them as immigration. But thing doesn't seem easier either. Their visas are denied and they are asked to provide the "Evidence of intended insurance in United States". Have anyone prepared this kind of document in the past? It will be greatly appreciated that if you can share more information with me.

You will need to submit quotes from health insurance companies showing the cost that will be involved for both your parents. It will be very expensive to get them medical insurance, it is going to cost my parents $1054.00 per month for them both. My parents are in their 60's and I know that the older they are the more it costs.

You or your parents will need to have evidence that you or them can afford to pay for that medical insurance.

Just out of interest, since when has this been a requirement? There is nothing on the USCIS website about it and I can find nothing on Google for anyone else being denied for this reason. Is it actual policy or was an individual IO having a bad day? So long as all other criteria are met and from the Federal position you have an acceptable I-864, why does it matter? If you continue the logic, why not refuse someone for not demonstrating means for paying a credit card bill or for that matter being approved for one. Since when has the government prevented immigration due to potential civil debts being incurred?

It seems a loophole given that it is almost impossible to get thorough coverage when aged over 65 as you are medicare ineligible and mainstream private insurers won't insure over 65. I'm not going to get into the whole healthcare reform debate, but if this hole in the system gets plugged as a result it would be great!

This is a public charge issue. Old people will have health problems. They are unlikely to be employable and therefore unlikely to have health insurance. When they become ill, US taxpayers will have to pay their medical bills. It will be almost impossible for them to reimburse the taxpayers. When the medical system does not have enough resources to care the US residents, why should US taxpayers be expected to pay for elderly immigrants who come here without their own health insurance? So if is only fair that if they wish to immigrate to the US that they have medical insurance to cover their medical expenses.

A person who is not elderly who has an overdue credit card or has no credit may still be able to get a job and rebuild that credit or pay that bill. Younger people always have an easier time getting an immigration visa because they are generally still employable (i.e., make money) and can get employer backed health insurance.

What are the guarantees that your parents or you as the petitioner can give to insure that US taxpayers would not be on the hook for a $100,000 hospital bill for your parents? You need to show they are unlikely to become public charges - that is a requirement in getting an immigration visa.

Edited July 24, 2009 by aaron2020

[ptrober 0]

I am applying my parents for immigration to US from China. My mom is 73 and my dad is 82. They just want to come here for visit. My parents have three children. I am the littlest one in the family. My two elder brothers are still in China. I married my husband and moved here about 10 years ago. My parents miss me a lot and they want to come here to see how my life is. They don't plan to stay long. They are getting old and this is their wish. I really want to fulfill their wish. They have tired to apply the tourist visas, but no luck with that. That's why I decide to apply them as immigration. But thing doesn't seem easier either. Their visas are denied and they are asked to provide the "Evidence of intended insurance in United States". Have anyone prepared this kind of document in the past? It will be greatly appreciated that if you can share more information with me.

You will need to submit quotes from health insurance companies showing the cost that will be involved for both your parents. It will be very expensive to get them medical insurance, it is going to cost my parents $1054.00 per month for them both. My parents are in their 60's and I know that the older they are the more it costs.

You or your parents will need to have evidence that you or them can afford to pay for that medical insurance.

Just out of interest, since when has this been a requirement? There is nothing on the USCIS website about it and I can find nothing on Google for anyone else being denied for this reason. Is it actual policy or was an individual IO having a bad day? So long as all other criteria are met and from the Federal position you have an acceptable I-864, why does it matter? If you continue the logic, why not refuse someone for not demonstrating means for paying a credit card bill or for that matter being approved for one. Since when has the government prevented immigration due to potential civil debts being incurred?

It seems a loophole given that it is almost impossible to get thorough coverage when aged over 65 as you are medicare ineligible and mainstream private insurers won't insure over 65. I'm not going to get into the whole healthcare reform debate, but if this hole in the system gets plugged as a result it would be great!

This is a public charge issue. Old people will have health problems. They are unlikely to be employable and therefore unlikely to have health insurance. When they become ill, US taxpayers will have to pay their medical bills. It will be almost impossible for them to reimburse the taxpayers. When the medical system does not have enough resources to care the US residents, why should US taxpayers be expected to pay for elderly immigrants who come here without their own health insurance? So if is only fair that if they wish to immigrate to the US that they have medical insurance to cover their medical expenses.

A person who is not elderly who has an overdue credit card or has no credit may still be able to get a job and rebuild that credit or pay that bill. Younger people always have an easier time getting an immigration visa because they are generally still employable (i.e., make money) and can get employer backed health insurance.

What are the guarantees that your parents or you as the petitioner can give to insure that US taxpayers would not be on the hook for a $100,000 hospital bill for your parents? You need to show they are unlikely to become public charges - that is a requirement in getting an immigration visa.

I entirely agree. However, as has been discussed on VJ numerous times and in numerous threads, medical debt is a civil debt to a hospital/doctor/care provider who are private, for-profit institutions. If you incur a debt to a hospital/doctor etc. and cannot pay, they do not turn around and ask the state to pay the bill. Therefore it is NOT considered a public charge. Public charge is when they claim food stamps, welfare etc. (state provided benefits) because the they meet the eligibility but are not entitled to it. Civil debts are not and have never been part of the immigration criteria. I-864 sponsors are not sworn to repay such debts. If I sponsor some for immigration under the I-864 and they incur medical debt, mortgage delinquencies, credit card debt... not my problem under the terms of the I-864. Neither is it the tax payers issue as the government does not bail out private debts.

The I-864 is designed to ensure that I do not sponsor someone who comes with no way of supporting themselves and immediately claims low income support such as unemployment etc. It is not to ensure that private US companies can be protected against credit defaults. After all, the immigrant will still go through the same credit checks to open a bank account, credit card, lease or mortgage as a US citizen and therefore the decision as to whether to accept the risk remains with the creditor. They can always refuse, just like they can with a citizen.

Until America introduces nationalized/socialized/govt backed healthcare (which it may do shortly if the President succeeds with his healthcare reform), incurring debt to health care providers because of ill health will remain a civil debt not public charge.

So, to reword my question to specifically address this issue, since when has the USCIS made it a visa requirement to prove that you will have the means to avoid incurring CIVIL debt.

[TayRivers 4]

Here in MA if you have no insurance and you can not afford insurance you will be treated under the state emergancy pool. This is funded by federal and state money.

I know of one family where medical care was given under the emergancy pool and their co-sponsor has since been sent the bill. Here no hospital can deny you emergancy care if you need it. You will be sent the bill and if you dont pay it it will be passed to collections as a civil debt. If you send them information to show you can not afford to pay the bill and it is accepted then the money will come from the Emergancy pool, it is then up to the state to try to recover the money spent, that could be in the form of a payment plan or they can seek compensation from your sponsor.

So yes it can come under public charge.

[Twisted K 2]

Here in MA if you have no insurance and you can not afford insurance you will be treated under the state emergancy pool. This is funded by federal and state money.

I know of one family where medical care was given under the emergancy pool and their co-sponsor has since been sent the bill. Here no hospital can deny you emergancy care if you need it. You will be sent the bill and if you dont pay it it will be passed to collections as a civil debt. If you send them information to show you can not afford to pay the bill and it is accepted then the money will come from the Emergancy pool, it is then up to the state to try to recover the money spent, that could be in the form of a payment plan or they can seek compensation from your sponsor.

So yes it can come under public charge.

That is pretty much the same in my state too. I have been in health care for almost 10 years in both the hospital side and health insurance side. We could not turn anyone away in an emergency situation. Someone has to pay for the bill, so it usually falls on taxpayers. Unless the hospital was a beneficiary of a huge check left in a will. Most hospitals are not-for-profit, at least they fall within that umbrella, unless, of course, they are private, then they can have discretionary privelges.

[ptrober 0]

Here in MA if you have no insurance and you can not afford insurance you will be treated under the state emergancy pool. This is funded by federal and state money.

I know of one family where medical care was given under the emergancy pool and their co-sponsor has since been sent the bill. Here no hospital can deny you emergancy care if you need it. You will be sent the bill and if you dont pay it it will be passed to collections as a civil debt. If you send them information to show you can not afford to pay the bill and it is accepted then the money will come from the Emergancy pool, it is then up to the state to try to recover the money spent, that could be in the form of a payment plan or they can seek compensation from your sponsor.

So yes it can come under public charge.

That is pretty much the same in my state too. I have been in health care for almost 10 years in both the hospital side and health insurance side. We could not turn anyone away in an emergency situation. Someone has to pay for the bill, so it usually falls on taxpayers. Unless the hospital was a beneficiary of a huge check left in a will. Most hospitals are not-for-profit, at least they fall within that umbrella, unless, of course, they are private, then they can have discretionary privelges.

Agreed. But that is on a state by state basis. MA has the legislation that no one can be denied. Other states, including Ohio, do not. The I-864 looks from a federal perspective, not an individual state (hence Federal poverty guidelines). Federal funds do not pay for medical debts. Individual states may use some of their funds to pay for healthcare but that comes from state funds collected by state taxes and not directly from Washington.

[Boiler 45,956]

Just provide details of the Travel Insurance they will be taking out.

[TayRivers 4]

Here in MA if you have no insurance and you can not afford insurance you will be treated under the state emergancy pool. This is funded by federal and state money.

I know of one family where medical care was given under the emergancy pool and their co-sponsor has since been sent the bill. Here no hospital can deny you emergancy care if you need it. You will be sent the bill and if you dont pay it it will be passed to collections as a civil debt. If you send them information to show you can not afford to pay the bill and it is accepted then the money will come from the Emergancy pool, it is then up to the state to try to recover the money spent, that could be in the form of a payment plan or they can seek compensation from your sponsor.

So yes it can come under public charge.

That is pretty much the same in my state too. I have been in health care for almost 10 years in both the hospital side and health insurance side. We could not turn anyone away in an emergency situation. Someone has to pay for the bill, so it usually falls on taxpayers. Unless the hospital was a beneficiary of a huge check left in a will. Most hospitals are not-for-profit, at least they fall within that umbrella, unless, of course, they are private, then they can have discretionary privelges.

Agreed. But that is on a state by state basis. MA has the legislation that no one can be denied. Other states, including Ohio, do not. The I-864 looks from a federal perspective, not an individual state (hence Federal poverty guidelines). Federal funds do not pay for medical debts. Individual states may use some of their funds to pay for healthcare but that comes from state funds collected by state taxes and not directly from Washington.

This discussion could go on forever.. The bottom line is the the IO can request any information they want at the interview, it is then up to the immigrant to supply the information requested, even if they dont think they should have to provide it..

[Twisted K 2]

Here in MA if you have no insurance and you can not afford insurance you will be treated under the state emergancy pool. This is funded by federal and state money.

I know of one family where medical care was given under the emergancy pool and their co-sponsor has since been sent the bill. Here no hospital can deny you emergancy care if you need it. You will be sent the bill and if you dont pay it it will be passed to collections as a civil debt. If you send them information to show you can not afford to pay the bill and it is accepted then the money will come from the Emergancy pool, it is then up to the state to try to recover the money spent, that could be in the form of a payment plan or they can seek compensation from your sponsor.

So yes it can come under public charge.

That is pretty much the same in my state too. I have been in health care for almost 10 years in both the hospital side and health insurance side. We could not turn anyone away in an emergency situation. Someone has to pay for the bill, so it usually falls on taxpayers. Unless the hospital was a beneficiary of a huge check left in a will. Most hospitals are not-for-profit, at least they fall within that umbrella, unless, of course, they are private, then they can have discretionary privelges.

Agreed. But that is on a state by state basis. MA has the legislation that no one can be denied. Other states, including Ohio, do not. The I-864 looks from a federal perspective, not an individual state (hence Federal poverty guidelines). Federal funds do not pay for medical debts. Individual states may use some of their funds to pay for healthcare but that comes from state funds collected by state taxes and not directly from Washington.

This discussion could go on forever.. The bottom line is the the IO can request any information they want at the interview, it is then up to the immigrant to supply the information requested, even if they dont think they should have to provide it..

[dcl766 0]

QUOTE:

"Just out of interest, since when has this been a requirement? There is nothing on the USCIS website about it and I can find nothing on Google for anyone else being denied for this reason. Is it actual policy or was an individual IO having a bad day? So long as all other criteria are met and from the Federal position you have an acceptable I-864, why does it matter? If you continue the logic, why not refuse someone for not demonstrating means for paying a credit card bill or for that matter being approved for one. Since when has the government prevented immigration due to potential civil debts being incurred?

It seems a loophole given that it is almost impossible to get thorough coverage when aged over 65 as you are medicare ineligible and mainstream private insurers won't insure over 65. I'm not going to get into the whole healthcare reform debate, but if this hole in the system gets plugged as a result it would be great!"

AMEN

If the IO in Bucharest gives my in-laws a hard time about insurance at their interview they will need to deal with me... and I work in insurance!

I also don't agree that the IO can ask for anything. We have spent alot of money already to help my in-laws immigrate and have followed all the rules and provided all of the documents requested. There must have been something more to the case the OP asked about. Maybe she can let us know if anything has been resolved?

[Dakine 26]

I am applying my parents for immigration to US from China. My mom is 73 and my dad is 82. They just want to come here for visit. My parents have three children. I am the littlest one in the family. My two elder brothers are still in China. I married my husband and moved here about 10 years ago. My parents miss me a lot and they want to come here to see how my life is. They don't plan to stay long. They are getting old and this is their wish. I really want to fulfill their wish. They have tired to apply the tourist visas, but no luck with that. That’s why I decide to apply them as immigration. But thing doesn’t seem easier either. Their visas are denied and they are asked to provide the b][/b]Have anyone prepared this kind of document in the past? It will be greatly appreciated that if you can share more information with me.

"“Evidence of intended insurance in United States”.

I've been kicking around immigration forums for years and this is a first for me.

Were they denied at the interview? As long as you met all the financial requirements they should have been approved or at least not denied for the reason given.

I'd call your senator and get him/her involved. Sounds like the CO is overstepping his/her bounds.

[Boiler 45,956]

They are not immigrating, just visiting

So insurance for residents is not relevant, Travel Insurance is.

Obviously Travel Insurance covers a lot more than Medical Insurance, but in the US and particularly at this age, it is the biggie.