ABOUT MEDICAID

[gracell 0]

I HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM, AND SINCE THE BILLS IS SO HUGE THAT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY,I HAVE THE CHOICE EITHER TO APPLY FOR A MEDICAID OR A SLIDING SCALE. THE SLIDING SCALE IS STILL NOT AFFORDABLE, BUT THIS MEDICAID,HAS A PORTION TO PAY,WHICH WILL BE OKAY FOR OUR FINANCES. MY QUESTION IS THIS.IF I WILL AVAIL OF THIS MEDICAID, THUS IT AFFECT MY CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION? WILL I BE DENIED?

I DON'T WANT TO JEOPARDIZE MY CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION IF EVER, SO IF THIS WILL AFFECT THEN I WILL BE FORCED TO SELECT THIS SLIDING SCALE OPTION.

I HOPE SOMEBODY WITH AN IDEA ABOUT THIS HELP FROM THE GOV'T. WILL GREATLY BE APPRECIATED.

[jeangab75 0]

I don't see any problem with Medicaid if you are eligible.

[Old Dominion 26]

If you are found financially eligible for Medicaid, you need to go ahead and apply. Until you are a citizen, your sponsor MAY be required to reimburse the government for any benefits you receive. There has been no report here of the government actually doing this, but under the law it is entitled to require the sponsor to reimburse. The important thing is to get proper medical attention.

[Wubzywub 0]

I HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM, AND SINCE THE BILLS IS SO HUGE THAT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY,I HAVE THE CHOICE EITHER TO APPLY FOR A MEDICAID OR A SLIDING SCALE. THE SLIDING SCALE IS STILL NOT AFFORDABLE, BUT THIS MEDICAID,HAS A PORTION TO PAY,WHICH WILL BE OKAY FOR OUR FINANCES. MY QUESTION IS THIS.IF I WILL AVAIL OF THIS MEDICAID, THUS IT AFFECT MY CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION? WILL I BE DENIED?

I DON'T WANT TO JEOPARDIZE MY CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION IF EVER, SO IF THIS WILL AFFECT THEN I WILL BE FORCED TO SELECT THIS SLIDING SCALE OPTION.

I HOPE SOMEBODY WITH AN IDEA ABOUT THIS HELP FROM THE GOV'T. WILL GREATLY BE APPRECIATED.

Does your spouse have health insurance? Sure you can qualify, talk to the county or state agency where you live about qualification. However please note that you shouldn't lie about your financial situation. Understating income/assets can be a crime that may effect your USC application.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

It has no bearing on your citizenship eligibility.

Just a thought since you said if its "avail"... I assume you havent applied yet.

If the sliding scale is still too high, that indicates your income might be on the "higher" side of what they consider "poverty". Financial eligibility requirements for medicaid are EXTREMELY low. Unless you are disabled on SSI or try through a waiver program(you must meet certain medical criteria and some states dont even have these programs) they will base it solely on your income which needs to be very low. They will also count your spouses income, but you will be allowed to deduct a part of that with a spousal allowance.

I know you didnt ask all of that, but Im just giving you a heads up so you arent disappointed when you go and apply for medicaid if your income is too high.

Good Luck and I hope you can find a solution either way and focus on getting well

[gracell 0]

Thanks. I love all your replies.It lessen my heart burden that I felt while thinking where to ask.

Our joint income will qualify me to avail this medicaid.My husband has medicare.It's just that,it's a wrong timing to be sick

at this time that we're not earning good.

At least,with all what I have read here,I have now peace of mind to go ahead and file this medicaid application.

My only worry is,getting assistance from the government might affect my citizenship application which I am eligible now to file.

Does anyone here familiar with vocational rehabilitation program? I am also considering this to get back to work.Any implications whatsoever on citizensip application?

Sorry for all my questions .But this is the only place I can get ideas that will enlighten my mind and I am thankful for all of you who responded here.

[NickD 202]

Stuff like this can happen to anybody, it wasn't this way in this country even 25 years ago where you were paying medical health insurance premiums for years, never used it, someone in your family gets a chronic illness, covered for one year, then kicked off your policy where they claim this person has a pre-condition. Then those medical bills pile up like crazy that were skyrocketed with the introduction of malpractice insurance.

Then there is the I-864, you can read this at

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864.pdf

where as a legal immigrant, your sponsor is responsible for any federal, state, or even private aid. I have no experience in this, but I know my contract with the government ended when my wife became a USC, yet another good reason to apply for USC at the earliest possible date. We had no reason to apply for any aid whatsoever.

My thoughts and prayers go with you, but just wonder how close you are to USC, if you can get that under your belt first before applying for Medicaid, may be to your advantage. Actually, I don't even know if Medicaid fits in as public aid, perhaps someone can clarify that. But the way the I-864 is written, hard and cruel, no mercy kind of thing. Just know, after you receive your USC, that contract is null and void. Don't know how ill you are nor how desperate, but would be nice to get out of that I-864 burden.

And while the feds may say, only your spouse is liable, then you have your state saying, both of you are liable for each others debts.

Our health insurance is costing us $14,360 per year and we are healthy! We wonder what would happen to us if one of us got a pre-condition. A person earning 7 bucks an hour grosses $14,560 a year before FICA taxes, how can they afford that? It's criminal.

[NickD 202]

It's right in the I-864 instructions, but think I would need an attorney to interpret it.

"What Other Consequences Are There?

If an intending immigrant becomes a permanent resident in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have signed,then until your obligations under the Form I-864 terminate, your income and assets may be considered ("deemed") to be available to that person, in determining whether he or she is eligible for certain Federal means-tested public benefits and also for State or local means-tested public benefits, if the State or local government's rules provide for consideration("deeming”) of your income and assets as available to the person.

This provision does not apply to public benefits specified in section 403© of the Welfare Reform Act such as, but not limited to, emergency Medicaid, short-term, non-cash emergency relief; services provided under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts; immunizations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases; and means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act."

Exactly what is "emergency Medicaid?"

This part I like the best.

"How Long Does My Obligation as a Sponsor Continue?

Your obligation to support the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring in this affidavit of support will continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States.Although 40 qualifying quarters of work (credits) generally equate to ten years of work, in certain cases the work of as pouse or parent adds qualifying quarters. The Social Security Administration can provide information on how to count qualifying quarters (credits) of work.The obligation also ends if you or the sponsored immigrant dies or if the sponsored immigrant ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and departs the United States. Divorce does not end the sponsorship obligation."

One less thing to be concerned about.

[gracell 0]

I can already file my citizenship anytime now,but timing wise,my medical needs to be corrected first so I can start working too.

This citizenship application process here in Florida has a year of waiting,so hoping I can file this September,I will expect any action by 2010 yet.

[NickD 202]

I can already file my citizenship anytime now,but timing wise,my medical needs to be corrected first so I can start working too.

This citizenship application process here in Florida has a year of waiting,so hoping I can file this September,I will expect any action by 2010 yet.

Your question was will going on Medicaid affect your USC application, we tossed in the I-864 as a potential problem. While the USCIS made a big deal out of this during our AOS, that subject seemed to drop with the I-751 and the N-400. And if you have been a LPR for five years, don't even have to fool with that marriage stuff the also really made a big deal out of with the three year. Do not recall anything question on the N-400 that dealt with any aid received.

I don't have personal experience with this, just seems to me, you are okay with either the N-400 and even with the I-864, but perhaps someone with that experience can help you. Or to get professional advice on this subject. I know their are attorneys that deal strictly with Medicaid applications, seen those in the yellow pages of our phone directory. Medicaid can be just as confusing as dealing with the USCIS. One immigration attorney told me, if the USCIS did everything in a clear precise manner, he wouldn't have a job.

[Glorya 0]

Hiya,

Most non-citizens do not qualify for pubic benefits except in a few limited cases. When you apply for Medicaid, you have to be tell the truth about your financial and citizenship status because utilizing benefits you are not qualified for could prevent you from getting the citizenship down the line. You could be in big trouble actually.

More info:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidEligibility..._.asp#TopOfPage

[NickD 202]

Hiya,

Most non-citizens do not qualify for pubic benefits except in a few limited cases. When you apply for Medicaid, you have to be tell the truth about your financial and citizenship status because utilizing benefits you are not qualified for could prevent you from getting the citizenship down the line. You could be in big trouble actually.

More info:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidEligibility..._.asp#TopOfPage

Eligibility requirements look complicated, does mention some LPR, but also states, eligibility varies state by state. My wife use to work at patient assistance at our local hospital, she came home with a headache every night so took college courses to become a medical interpreter, much happier now. You could see if you have a patient assistance at your hospital. I know she had to deal with tons of forms for all different kinds of aid and some applicants would lie to get aid, will just comment, you don't want to lie, because everything you state is checked out.

Just peeking at our yellow pages, see many attorneys advertising they deal in Medicaid cases, after looking through the site, can see why, like anything else with our government, everything is so complicated. Think they do that intensionally so you have to hire an attorney.

Healthcare is certainly an issue right now, son asked me to join him to search for a new garden tractor, they are on sale now. He had to go in from some minor procedures, his co-payment took all of his money he set aside for that garden tractor, it's crazy. Maybe next year. Saw his bill, his co-payment would have completely covered all that just a few years ago, his insurance company must be pocketing that other 80%.

[antda 13]

Hi Gracell,

Sorry to hear about your medical situation. And yes, by all means possible, get the healthcare that you need, no matter what the cost, as it's not worth the risk not getting treatment there. I know it would be hard for you to get affordable medical insurance without citizenship, so that's understandable too. Regardless, if you are sick and it is an emergency, just go to any hospital emergency room, and they will be able to treat you there, regardless of lack of immigration status and/or financial situation. Just because you are waiting for immigration, doesn't mean you have to wait for your health!

As for medicaid, it varies from to state to state, as to what they define as "means tested benefits". It's kind of contradictory in ways, where the federally-run USCIS says that medicaid is a benefit, while some states may say that it isn't. So do inquire with the specific state that you live in, as to what they say about such. As well, many states offer other low-cost healthcare options, which are not listed as means-tested benefits at all. For example, here in New York State, they have a program called family health plus, which is for low income families too. And yes, the sliding scale option that you mentioned that was available in your state is a good idea too, as you can at least pay for and get your healthcare at a reasonable rate that is best for you and your family financially. As well, worse case scenario, you can always ask for emergency medicaid, which as mentioned before, is not a means tested benefit according the USCIS.

Believe me, know what you mean by all this, as I've faced a similar situation with my healthcare too. Feel free to pm me, if you want more info about medicaid and/or other low-cost healthcare options.

Sigh, why can't healthcare be affordable (and free perhaps) to all, regardless of immigration status, income, health condition, or anything else? Everyone deserves good quality and affordable healthcare treatment, right?....

Hope this helps. Good luck in choosing your healthcare options and good luck with your immigration journey too.

Ant

I HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM, AND SINCE THE BILLS IS SO HUGE THAT WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY,I HAVE THE CHOICE EITHER TO APPLY FOR A MEDICAID OR A SLIDING SCALE. THE SLIDING SCALE IS STILL NOT AFFORDABLE, BUT THIS MEDICAID,HAS A PORTION TO PAY,WHICH WILL BE OKAY FOR OUR FINANCES. MY QUESTION IS THIS.IF I WILL AVAIL OF THIS MEDICAID, THUS IT AFFECT MY CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION? WILL I BE DENIED?

I DON'T WANT TO JEOPARDIZE MY CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION IF EVER, SO IF THIS WILL AFFECT THEN I WILL BE FORCED TO SELECT THIS SLIDING SCALE OPTION.

I HOPE SOMEBODY WITH AN IDEA ABOUT THIS HELP FROM THE GOV'T. WILL GREATLY BE APPRECIATED.

Edited October 8, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[bislig2alabama 1]

It's right in the I-864 instructions, but think I would need an attorney to interpret it.

"What Other Consequences Are There?

If an intending immigrant becomes a permanent resident in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have signed,then until your obligations under the Form I-864 terminate, your income and assets may be considered ("deemed") to be available to that person, in determining whether he or she is eligible for certain Federal means-tested public benefits and also for State or local means-tested public benefits, if the State or local government's rules provide for consideration("deeming”) of your income and assets as available to the person.

This provision does not apply to public benefits specified in section 403© of the Welfare Reform Act such as, but not limited to, emergency Medicaid, short-term, non-cash emergency relief; services provided under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts; immunizations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases; and means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act."

Exactly what is "emergency Medicaid?"

This part I like the best.

"How Long Does My Obligation as a Sponsor Continue?

Your obligation to support the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring in this affidavit of support will continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States.Although 40 qualifying quarters of work (credits) generally equate to ten years of work, in certain cases the work of as pouse or parent adds qualifying quarters. The Social Security Administration can provide information on how to count qualifying quarters (credits) of work.The obligation also ends if you or the sponsored immigrant dies or if the sponsored immigrant ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and departs the United States. Divorce does not end the sponsorship obligation."

One less thing to be concerned about.

Information for Filipinas;

The U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines have an agreement concerning Social Security. The Social security credits earned in one nation will transfer to the other nation. We were told by the social Security officer in Alabama that my wife's SS credit in the Philippines will be counted in the U.S. when she applies for retirement. That is something that we have yet to validate. but we do believe the Clerk. It may be worth checking for Filipinas and who knows what other agreements have been concluded with other nations.