Big Big Problem.... Please need help and advice!!

[Hatem&Zeinab 30]

Hi, My name is Hatem. I am a US citizen, my wife is a green card holder. She got her green card a year ago, through marriage to me. She was pregnant. I applied for medicaid for her so it covers her pregnancy. I said on the application that she is not a US citizen. Our case was ineligible.

Few days later, a Medicaid officer called us told us about our case. I told her my wife is not a citizen. She asked me to fax her the green card and all other documents. Few days later, we received a letter saying that her medicaid has been approved, and it they make it start from day 1 of pregnancy till delivery.

Later on, when my baby was born, I got online to add my baby to the household, and I found a check mark next to my wife that she is a US citizen.

I called them and told them to correct it, and now they closed her medicaid, and they say they will make me pay for all the bills they paid, even though I never said or submitted anything claiming she is a citizen!!!

What can I do now? We are looking at thousands of dollars!!

[No-Where-Man 147]

I am sory to hear this, many do not know the difference between GC and citizenship.

In your case, unfortunately, nothing you can do. Even though it was their mistake, you should have called again to confirm that she is a GC not a citizen and at least get a written or any proof of you calling and seeking the information and having a response.

Since you do not have any of these (as far as I know), you will need to pay back every cent they paid for you.

I would love to see other people comments on that as well.

Do not be stressed man, its gonaa be fine

[Ihavequestions 419]

Hi, My name is Hatem. I am a US citizen, my wife is a green card holder. She got her green card a year ago, through marriage to me. She was pregnant. I applied for medicaid for her so it covers her pregnancy. I said on the application that she is not a US citizen. Our case was ineligible.

Few days later, a Medicaid officer called us told us about our case. I told her my wife is not a citizen. She asked me to fax her the green card and all other documents. Few days later, we received a letter saying that her medicaid has been approved, and it they make it start from day 1 of pregnancy till delivery.

Later on, when my baby was born, I got online to add my baby to the household, and I found a check mark next to my wife that she is a US citizen.

I called them and told them to correct it, and now they closed her medicaid, and they say they will make me pay for all the bills they paid, even though I never said or submitted anything claiming she is a citizen!!!

What can I do now? We are looking at thousands of dollars!!

Until they send you something in writing, don't worry about it.

If and when they do, appeal their decision. That is your right.

[Hatem&Zeinab 30]

let's say they paid $40000... and I don't have this money.... what would happen? how can I set it up?

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hi, My name is Hatem. I am a US citizen, my wife is a green card holder. She got her green card a year ago, through marriage to me. She was pregnant. I applied for medicaid for her so it covers her pregnancy. I said on the application that she is not a US citizen. Our case was ineligible.

Few days later, a Medicaid officer called us told us about our case. I told her my wife is not a citizen. She asked me to fax her the green card and all other documents. Few days later, we received a letter saying that her medicaid has been approved, and it they make it start from day 1 of pregnancy till delivery.

Later on, when my baby was born, I got online to add my baby to the household, and I found a check mark next to my wife that she is a US citizen.

I called them and told them to correct it, and now they closed her medicaid, and they say they will make me pay for all the bills they paid, even though I never said or submitted anything claiming she is a citizen!!!

What can I do now? We are looking at thousands of dollars!!

Work out a payment plan and make good on the care your wife and child received. The government will work with you so you can pay over time.

Don't worry.

[Ihavequestions 419]

They should have sent you a notice, in writing, that they terminated your wife's coverage. On that notice, there HAS to be a statement about how to appeal.

Do what the statement tells you to do.

This is not your fault. They made a mistake and you should not be punished or penalized for it.

[Hatem&Zeinab 30]

I don't know.... I don't feel too good towards about this....

this employee screwed up our life!! I know if it was a hospital, it would have made payment plans and reduce the payments, but the problem is that the government already paid for all medical bills for the past 9 months, and prescriptions!! we are looking at tens of thousands of dollars....

when dealing with the government it is different... what kind of payment plan would they accept!! to pay all this money back!

the guy told me over the phone whether it is your fault or ours, you have to pay it back... this is unfair!

[Hatem&Zeinab 30]

I am still awaiting more answers from everybody.... please any body who knows about this give me advice...

Thanks for all who replied already

[Caribbean Pirate 9]

I know this isn't going to be a popular point of view but I'm not sure if you can appeal. The I-864 that you signed says that you are liable if your wife goes on public aid. I think this is the sort of thing that the government is protected against. I'm sure that someone with more experience can offer better info and perhaps some options.

Good luck!

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Legal permanent residents (immigrants with green cards) are ineligible for Medicaid or SCHIP during their first five years in the U.S.

Medicaid is federal means-tested public benefit.

You as the sponsor for your wife, should be responsible for any mean-tested benefits that your LPR wife received.

You have to negotiate with the govt agency to see if you could pay back at a discounted rate.

Good Luck.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

** Moved from CR-1 spousal visa to Moving Here forum and duplicate in another forum closed ****

[kzielu 1,149]

** Moved from CR-1 spousal visa to Moving Here forum and duplicate in another forum closed ****

I would really make sure it is paid - because if they leave US citizen mark there, you'll have much bigger problem with being accused of your wife falsely claiming US citizenship (whethere she did that or not) - which can results in a deportation and lifetime ban with no waiver possible. Being you would really make sure it is all resolved and there is no trace of it.

Also, you should have known that your wife is ineligible not being US citizen and think about healthcare costs before she got pregnant. Not sure what you are complaining about - did she received the service ? Yes. Was she eligible - no. You'd have to pay this anyway, so what's is really your problem ? You're looking for a way to not pay for something you've been given ?

[Hatem&Zeinab 30]

I would really make sure it is paid - because if they leave US citizen mark there, you'll have much bigger problem with being accused of your wife falsely claiming US citizenship (whethere she did that or not) - which can results in a deportation and lifetime ban with no waiver possible. Being you would really make sure it is all resolved and there is no trace of it.

Also, you should have known that your wife is ineligible not being US citizen and think about healthcare costs before she got pregnant. Not sure what you are complaining about - did she received the service ? Yes. Was she eligible - no. You'd have to pay this anyway, so what's is really your problem ? You're looking for a way to not pay for something you've been given ?

Listen sir, before you rush into judgements you need to know that we clearly stated that she is not a US citizen. The medicaid worker called us and asked us to fax whatever documents we have and she will find out what she can do and if there is anything available for people in our situtation. Few days later we found out that she approved us. We don't know the law. All what we do is apply, be honest, and that's what we did. The decision was made by her not us.... so it was her mistake not ours. The only way I found out was when I went online to add my new born baby to the household. That is when I found out a check mark has been placed next to my wife being a citizen.

Luckily, the medicaid account still shows the original application that we submitted, and it clearly say NOOOOOOOOOO to the question asking about my wife being a citizen..

DID YOU GET IT???? PLEASE BE HELPFUL OR JUST STAY SILENT

[JohnR! 5,495]

.

Luckily, the medicaid account still shows the original application that we submitted, and it clearly say NOOOOOOOOOO to the question asking about my wife being a citizen..

In this case you have nothing to worry about for you have evidence she did not misrepresent herself to anyone. Thee mistakes are not uncommon. So long as you take responsibility for the services you should be ok.

[NY_BX 397]

Listen sir, before you rush into judgements you need to know that we clearly stated that she is not a US citizen. The medicaid worker called us and asked us to fax whatever documents we have and she will find out what she can do and if there is anything available for people in our situtation. Few days later we found out that she approved us. We don't know the law. All what we do is apply, be honest, and that's what we did. The decision was made by her not us.... so it was her mistake not ours. The only way I found out was when I went online to add my new born baby to the household. That is when I found out a check mark has been placed next to my wife being a citizen.

Luckily, the medicaid account still shows the original application that we submitted, and it clearly say NOOOOOOOOOO to the question asking about my wife being a citizen..

DID YOU GET IT???? PLEASE BE HELPFUL OR JUST STAY SILENT

I don't think this person was judging you at all. This person was simply stating what others have said: Apparently you should've not applied for Medicaid in the first place. Your wife is not eligible and you signed an affidavit of support with a garantee she won't become public charge (within the alloted time). The most important issue this poster pointed out is the misrepresentation. Again, this is not a judgment. It is the truth. It is great advice you should follow meticulously. If this worker made that mistake, what else this worker did? I'm on your side, you're a victim of the stupidity of an inept worker. That said, if your wife decides to become a citizen and this comes out to bite you in the butt, she could be deportable for misrepresentation.

I saw a case here of someone that marked 'yes' as being a US Citizen in a job application. That was the day BEFORE his oath ceremony. Poor man is going through deportation procedures. It is horrid and just cruel, but the law is the law... unfortunately. Follow up and save every piece of document regarding this case. And yes, call and schedule a payment plan. Make sure your co-sponsor- if you had any- isn't liable for this bill.

Good luck and congrats on your baby!