Health insurance? (healthcare.gov doesn't work too well - shocker!)

[ebe 6]

Hey all! We've been living in Iowa for a while now (6 mos or so) and my green card (CR-1) holder spouse had health insurance through my job, but now I've quit my job and unfortunately he's no longer uninsured. He is a surgery fellow at a University here but they are not providing him insurance.

We've been battling with healthcare.gov but it can't validate him without a US credit record. So our paperwork is sitting in London, Kentucky with everyone else's and who knows when that will get processed.

We've looked into some short-term immigrant plans but they all seem TERRIBLE. Like, the list of things they don't cover basically covers...everything. And the student plans don't cover permanent residents, despite him being affiliated with the university.

Thoughts? Anyone had a good experience with a short-term immigrant plan?

Hope this is all a moot point soon as I have a good lead on a job, but in the meantime ...

(This whole insurance business in the US makes me miss living abroad! It's so much simpler almost anywhere else!)

Would really appreciate any suggestions on this as we're at a bit of a loss.

[belinda63 3,047]

Do you live in Kentucky? If so the site you want to use is "kynect" google it. The site works great and you should be signed up in less than 30 mins.

[TBoneTX 46,151]

They're in Iowa.

OP, perhaps call the International Students' Office (or organization) to see if they have any suggestions beyond the student plans. Also, your husband can query his various international colleagues who've been here longer, to learn what they've done. Keep us apprised.

Edited January 29, 2014 by TBoneTX

[ebe 6]

Thanks -- HR at the university directed him to the international student office as well; he's going there today.

From what I investigated none of their plans work for permanent residents, though hopefully once he's there in person they might have more options! I'll keep you all posted!

Would love to hear any other options folks have used, especially these short-term immigrant insurance things...they seem reallllly sketchy but maybe there's a good one out there.