Obamacare and my Mother In Law

[Sherlock 0]

Just want to know what others are doing who may be in a similar situation.

We brought my MIL to the US in 2010 when she was 70. Since she has never worked in the US, she cannot get premium-free Medicare part A and will have to pay a premium penalty for signing up at her age. Also a penalty for part B. Total combined about $900 per month.

Basic rule for healthcare exchanges is can't go through exchange if you're eligible for Medicare. She's eligible, but I'd hope there would be an option through the exchange that is cheaper. She's not eligible for Medicaid because it's based on household income, and I make too much.

Anyone have better info than me?

Just wondering if anyone else is in the same position and what you're planning to do?

My back up plan is to just stop claiming her as a dependent on my taxes so I don't have to show proof of her insurance. She doesn't make enough money on her own to file income tax, and is therefore exempt from the Obamacare coverage requirement. Will have to balance loss of exemption vs possible fine.

Before I get jumped on, this option wouldn't leave her hanging - She's my military dependent and covered at military facilities under Tricare Plus which covers all her current medical needs, but Tricare Plus doesn't meet the Obamacare minimum required coverage requirement.

[Ontarkie 14,225]

~~Moved to General Immigration-Related Discussion, from Bringing Family Members of US Citizens to America~~

[David & Diana R 1,005]

Just want to know what others are doing who may be in a similar situation.

We brought my MIL to the US in 2010 when she was 70. Since she has never worked in the US, she cannot get premium-free Medicare part A and will have to pay a premium penalty for signing up at her age. Also a penalty for part B. Total combined about $900 per month.

Basic rule for healthcare exchanges is can't go through exchange if you're eligible for Medicare. She's eligible, but I'd hope there would be an option through the exchange that is cheaper. She's not eligible for Medicaid because it's based on household income, and I make too much.

Anyone have better info than me?

Just wondering if anyone else is in the same position and what you're planning to do?

My back up plan is to just stop claiming her as a dependent on my taxes so I don't have to show proof of her insurance. She doesn't make enough money on her own to file income tax, and is therefore exempt from the Obamacare coverage requirement. Will have to balance loss of exemption vs possible fine.

Before I get jumped on, this option wouldn't leave her hanging - She's my military dependent and covered at military facilities under Tricare Plus which covers all her current medical needs, but Tricare Plus doesn't meet the Obamacare minimum required coverage requirement.

Did anyone think the president was really going to change the system for the better?

[stlMac 16]

I am in similar situation. I dont know what to do either.

[Umka36 781]

Here is the problem I see with your backup plan. If you don't claim her as you dependent and she doesn't make enough to file income tax, then more than likely she would qualify for medicaid under ACA. I assume you are her sponsor when filing the I-864, which would mean that you could be liable to payback the medicaid benefits she receives.

[Sherlock 0]

Here is the problem I see with your backup plan. If you don't claim her as you dependent and she doesn't make enough to file income tax, then more than likely she would qualify for medicaid under ACA. I assume you are her sponsor when filing the I-864, which would mean that you could be liable to payback the medicaid benefits she receives.

As I understand the rules in my state (Maryland), she doesn't qualify for medicaid for two reasons:

1. She lives with us, and income requirements are based on household income, not individual income.

2. LPRs are required to have been here for at least 5 years, she's only been here for 3.

My wife is her sponsor.

[Umka36 781]

Q: My parents are permanent residents, but they don't qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Can they get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act? I am a U.S. citizen. My parents have been permanent residents for two years. They are both over 65, but they don’t qualify to purchase Medicare nor can they get Medicaid help. I thought they would qualify to purchase through the Obamacare market exchange, but a Texas “navigator” told me that people over the age of 65 don’t qualify to purchase Obamacare health insurance.

Rita, Houston, Tex.

A: Your parents may purchase health insurance through the exchanges organized under the Affordable Care Act, often called “Obamacare.” That the navigator gave you wrong information doesn't surprise me. The law is quite confusing.

Most individuals here lawfully, including lawful permanent residents, may purchase Obamacare health insurance. According to Jenny Rejeske, Health Policy Analyst, National Immigration Law Center, individuals who have “premium free” Medicare or who Medicaid may not purchase Obamacare. However, permanent residents not enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid are free to enroll with an Obamacare insurance plan. And, if they meet the income guidelines, the federal government will subsidize their costs.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/citizenship-now/medicaid-medicare-obamacare-article-1.1480037

[Boiler 45,519]

The last article explains the situation as I understand it.

If she does not have much income the issue as I understand it is that she will not get much tax credit.

[Sherlock 0]

Thanks for your help. Just need to balance loss of exemption vs cost of health plan.

[Boiler 45,519]

Seems like all Accountants will need to be versed in Obamacare in future.

There are many intended or otherwise consequences that people are just finding out about.

[belinda63 3,038]

Make sure you are careful on this as I think when you apply it ask for the number of people in the household much like for medicaid. Unless she lives alone you might be in trouble.

[ezra 0]

Actually, The number in your household has nothing to do with who is living with you, it has to do with who do you file your tax return with. I confirmed this with California Care when asking...

[Silvino 0]

Ezra (or anyone else in the same boat), did you successfully apply in California for Medical? I was also told by Coverred Ca that they could file as their own household even though they lived with me. Unfortunately I've yet to get anyone on the phone with the local Social Service Agency which takes the Medical application. I'm in a bind since I'm now forced to go during the week and see what we can do.

My situation: I make too much money to get help keeping her as a dependent but it would hurt me to pay regular 'affordable' health care premiums for her. My company won't let me add her to my own health plan so I need to help her get setup with Medical.

Thanks for any help.

Actually, The number in your household has nothing to do with who is living with you, it has to do with who do you file your tax return with. I confirmed this with California Care when asking...

Edited January 11, 2014 by Silvino

[Silvino 0]

I finally got the local place on the phone and the guy said as long as she's not on my taxes, she can file as her own household. I'll be applying in person next week and will post how things go.

[ezra 0]

Just to be clear, Covered CA and evern Medical / Medicare will take your application for someone you sponsored, but ultimately the government can sue you for any public burden / costs incurred by the government (this is my interpretation, but it's pretty clear about medical / medicaid if you sponsor someone)...

Now, I did get confirmation from someone in social services (actually today) that if the person I sponsor applies with Covered California and is eligible for a tax credit, that is not considered a public burden and the government would not come back to the sponsor to sue... This is what one person said, but I have nothing in writing and this is not a guarantee.. No one has any idea, I have spoken to immigration lawyers, USCIS and Covered Californai and no one knows... It's just too new I guess.

Good luck reaching covered california... It's always busy