Covered California for new permanent residents?

[Frannyglass 10]

Hello!

I have an important question: I have just had my green card approved. I know that one of the conditions for the green card is that I am not eligible for government benefits such as medicaid, disability, etc. However am I eligible for the Advance Payment of Premium tax credit? I enrolled on the website (putting my EAD number since at the time I didn't have my green card number) and it said I was "conditionally eligible" for it. It told me to choose a health plan, and said I would only have to pay $2 out of the $260 the plan costs (because of low income). When I filled it, I put my household as two, and my income as $300 which is what I am earning right now after expenses (self employed massage therapist). My wife is disabled and receives SSI which cannot be counted in tax returns or as income in covered california. She is already covered by Medicaid/medi-cal. I would definitely not be eligible for medicaid/medi-cal because of my status (less than 5 years permanent resident), but I really hope I am for the APTC. We are planning on getting pregnant next month and I need to be properly covered.

When reading the rules for the ACA in California, my household income is considered too low for Advance payment of premium tax credit, and eligible for Medi-cal. However after filing my application and stating that I am a new permanent resident (or not even since at the time it was just my 1 year work permit info) it said I am eligible for premium payment but not for Medi-cal, which makes me think I am doing things right and I truly am eligible for it? (that they gave me that option knowing that I cannot get medi-cal).

I don't want to mess anything up (with our joint sponsor who is a friend) but things aren't so clear!

Here is what I found:

Immigrants who are “lawfully present” in the U.S.can:

1) Buy health insurance in the state exchange with their own funds -> eligible

2) Apply for tax credits for premiums and co-payments through the state exchange: 400% FPL and below if here less than five years; 138-400% FPL if here more than five years -> that would apply to me (and I believe that is why they said I was eligible: it clearly states "400% FPL and below", without any limit since I can't get medicaid, but for more than 5 years, there is a limit and anyone here over 5 years and under 138% FPL is eligible for medicaid)

3) Eligible for Medicaid coverage expansion (0-138% of FPL) if here five or more years -> I am not eligible

4) Eligible for Pre Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) -> I would be eligible if needed

5) Are subject to the individual mandate Five-year bar on federal Medicaid (Medi-Cal) -> I am not eligible

It would mean that I am fine and am eligible to receive tax credits for premiums which is great news! But I wanted to know if others here were in the same situation?

Edited December 14, 2013 by Frannyglass

[Frannyglass 10]

However I just talked to customer service and when I changed something on the application (wrote that my wife doesnt need health insurance), it changed my enrollment status and put me as "eligible for medi-cal" but not for the others anymore. I told her that and she said "Starting Jan 1, you will be eligible for medi-cal even if you've been a permanent resident for less than 5 years. Starting that date the new extended medi-cal program will accept you and you will be covered".but I am not believing her, I think she is incorrect.