Grandmother In US with I551 Stamp. Now What?

[skoopie 0]

My grandmother came from India last month and had her Indian passport stamped when she arrived in NY. What is the process for her to get the actual green card and SSN? Is there anything she needs to do? She's 78yrs old.

[Boiler 45,519]

She will get her GC in the mail.

Medical Insurance will be the biggie.

[skoopie 0]

I forgot to mention that we got a OS155A notice in the mail on friday. Not sure exactly what the purpose of that form is.

Also, what are the medical insurance options? Would she qualify for some form of medicaid? Or is it insurance on the private market?

She will get her GC in the mail.

Medical Insurance will be the biggie.

[TimeTravel 78]

GC can generally take around 4 weeks, and max 8 weeks. If you dont get her SSN in a month, then you can consider to visit SSN office to apply for it.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

She will never qualifiy for Medicare, and Medicaid would be only after she has been a LPR for 5 years. Her medical needs will have to be covered by her family.

How is she adjusting to such a drastic change in her living environment? Wow I overlooked the fact that it's NY too.

Edited August 26, 2012 by LIFE'SJOURNEY

[Boiler 45,519]

Not Medicaid. She has a sponsor to pay tor her costs.

[skoopie 0]

Shes adjusting well. She was here 10yrs ago as a visitor so she had some reasonable expectations.

We already have private insurance for her but good to know what options there are down the road.

Also, does ahe have to apply for a SSN or will it come automatically?

She will never qualifiy for Medicare, and Medicaid would be only after she has been a LPR for 5 years. Her medical needs will have to be covered by her family.

How is she adjusting to such a drastic change in her living environment? Wow I overlooked the fact that it's NY too.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

Shes adjusting well. She was here 10yrs ago as a visitor so she had some reasonable expectations.

We already have private insurance for her but good to know what options there are down the road.

Also, does ahe have to apply for a SSN or will it come automatically?

It should come automatically, but if not received by the time GC arrive,then go to SS office and apply.

What about life insurance have you'll looked into it ?

The cost of prescriptions could run her about $300 to $500 per month, just for basic high blood pressure, diabetics, high cholosterol.

Becareful a chnage and diet and environment will make her body change, therefore she maynot have had some of these issues in India, but here in the US they will surface.

Edited August 26, 2012 by LIFE'SJOURNEY

[aaron2020 11,651]

I forgot to mention that we got a OS155A notice in the mail on friday. Not sure exactly what the purpose of that form is.

Also, what are the medical insurance options? Would she qualify for some form of medicaid? Or is it insurance on the private market?

As long as grandmother is an LPR, the I-864 will be enforceable against the sponsors for any means tested benefits that she receives.

There are two federally funded "medical insurance" programs; Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare is a entitlement program where a worker pays into it and receives benefits. Since your grandmother has never paid into it, she can never receive any of it.

Medicaid is jointly run with individual states and goes by many names; Medi-Cal in California, TennCare in Tennessee, etc. It is a welfare program for the poor. It is a means tested benefit. An LPR is not eligible for the first 5 years of residency for Medicaid. After the 5 years, the LPR is eligible. However, the I-864 is enforceable and the sponsor or sponsors is/are responsible for paying back any benefits received by the LPR.

Once grandmother becomes a US citizen, then she can receive Medicaid without worrying about the sponsors having to repay the benefits. Only US citizenship for grandmother allows for free "medical insurance."

Essentially, when you sponsor a person who is not able to provide for herself, then you are responsible for everything including medical.

Edited August 27, 2012 by aaron2020

[Boiler 45,519]

He said they had now arranged Insurance for her, I am sure it would be of interest to others in a similar situation to know who with.