Medi-cal or medi-caid? Is beneficiary eligible?

[Kevinbolts 0]

My wife came here on the k-1 visa and she has her permanent resident card plus has a full time job working 40 hours a week at minimum wage ($9 per hour). During the interview they said something along the lines of how we aren't supposed to get help from the government, such as food stamps etc, but I was wondering if she would be eligible for a free or discounted health insurance? we live in California if this helps. Thank you!

[averageguy6 22]

If you are married and she is a permanent resident now and you qualify for mediCal you should apply if you need medical care.

I dont know the exact rules, but as long as you are totally honest on your application about her status I cant imagine how that could hurt you.

Worst case they turn you down or give you a large "share of cost."

Speaking as a CA physician myself, If she needs medical care please take care of her! It cant possibly benefit you (or our state) for her to end up in an emergency room because something could have been prevented.

Assuming she is working and paying SS, and income tax, I hope she has the same rights as anyone else.

Again, I dont know the exact rules, but as long as you are fully truthful about her status, I dont think you will be penalized.

Its the liars that get in trouble.

[Boiler 45,525]

Are you on Obamacare?

Sounds like she does not get get cover through work so she could get the subsidised cover, might have to wait for open enrollment.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Depends on the type of care. Emergency care is more covered than routine care. Read the part on the California specific site out immigrants. Each state funds their programs differently.

[aaron2020 11,651]

If you are married and she is a permanent resident now and you qualify for mediCal you should apply if you need medical care.

I dont know the exact rules, but as long as you are totally honest on your application about her status I cant imagine how that could hurt you.

Worst case they turn you down or give you a large "share of cost."

Speaking as a CA physician myself, If she needs medical care please take care of her! It cant possibly benefit you (or our state) for her to end up in an emergency room because something could have been prevented.

Assuming she is working and paying SS, and income tax, I hope she has the same rights as anyone else.

Again, I dont know the exact rules, but as long as you are fully truthful about her status, I dont think you will be penalized.

Its the liars that get in trouble.

If you don't know the exact rules, then don't give people the advice to go ahead and apply for Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California).

Read the I-864 instructions on means testes benefits that an LPR can not receive.

[averageguy6 22]

Excuse me, these people need some help.

I stand by what I said, as long as they tell the full truth they can apply and see what happens.

I just looked at those instructions are they very complicated with all sorts of exceptions. I am highly familiar with Ca MediCal insurance plans and have two advanced degrees and I am already confused.

How do you think they feel? Probably scared and confused.

What I am saying is that there is nothing wrong with them applying or going to check with MediCal or a social worker and let them help to figure out if she is eligible or not if they are telling the full truth at all times.

If there is potential for a serious life or limb threatening issue, emergency mediCal benefits are also available to anyone to cover some conditions.

I deal with patients all the time, many of them can not figure out if they are eligible or not, its very complex.

Its a medical and social disaster when I see people that did not get care because they assumed they could not get it...and then its often too late to help them when prevention could have solved the problem.......

There will be no penalty for them to apply, even if not eligible, if they tell the truth during the entire process.

They may find they are not eligible for one plan, but then informed that other options are open to them. For example in San Diego we previously had the County Medical Services and Low Income Health Plan programs available for individuals with certain medical conditions that didn't qualify for MediCal.

ACA/Obamacare has also created changes.

The social workers and people that work for MediCal are the experts on who is eligible and who is not. Let them apply to them and let the mediCal office figure out if they qualify or not.

If you dont like my opinion, then please ignore it.

[averageguy6 22]

https://www.healthcare.gov/what-do-immigrant-families-need-to-know/

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Here an AN UNDERSTANDABLE resource to address your situation.

For example, if she is pregnant and you meet the income level requirements you may be eligible for MediCal right away.

It specifically states that there is NO PENALTY FOR APPLYING and it will NOT AFFECT YOU IMMIGRATION STATUS.

Good luck. Please take care of your health the best you can.