Does this count as Government Assistance?

[Amy-Rose 0]

First of all, thank you for reading this! If I posted this in the wrong place (again), my apologies! My husband and I, who have been married for 2 Months are in the process of Immigration (I-130 and I-485). I found out earlier this week that I'm pregnant! It was a shock, but we're both happy. I have been calling to midwives in the area and birthing centers, however, I did call one hospital and they may be able to help. It's not Medicaid or Welfare, which I know is off limits, but it's a "Charity" fund the hospital does itself. It's called Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and they think I could apply for that as I do not have a job yet (or Social Security Number).

Does this count as "Government Assistance", or no? I do not want to do anything that will jeopardize my Immigration Process. If I cannot, I have a midwife that is of reasonable cost that I will be hiring.

Thank you all for your help, and once again, if I posted in the wrong area, sorry!!

[max+patricia 24]

Congrats!

As far as I know, the whole "means tested benefit" designation usually only refers to things that are funded by the government. A charity likely doesn't fall under that criteria.

Take a look at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3183.html#4

You may also be able to qualify for emergency medicaid depending on your situation, but I don't know how that all works out, all I know is that it doesn't have to be repaid. You should talk to the hospital about that route before considering it.

Good luck to you!

[Moosker 7]

If you filed the I-130 "technically" you're not supposed to be living in the U.S. I knew a girl in a similar situation and went back to Canada for her appointments.

Just an FYI from the site that was listed above, it states:

Can the applicant (you) use government assistance or public benefits?

If the sponsored immigrant (you) uses federal means tested public benefits, the sponsor (your husband) must repay the cost of the benefits.

Keep that in mind!!!

[Myopia 93]

If you filed the I-130 "technically" you're not supposed to be living in the U.S. I knew a girl in a similar situation and went back to Canada for her appointments.

Just an FYI from the site that was listed above, it states:

Can the applicant (you) use government assistance or public benefits?

If the sponsored immigrant (you) uses federal means tested public benefits, the sponsor (your husband) must repay the cost of the benefits.

Keep that in mind!!!

She filed form I-485 so that means that she is probably in the USA filing for AOS.

The Charity care is not medicaid and is not a government means tested benefit, although they do use government guidelined for poverty. They do want any applicants to apply for government assistance first but as you wont be able to do that, you will be able to use their charity services.

Thank goodness in the USA there are still hospitals that have this kind of charity foundation.

Congrats on the little peanut!