Health Insurance for new Immigrant

[Ian H. 207]

Were you trying to apply over the phone? Just do it online. You shouldn't have a problem applying online because the system should be setup to know that LPR's are eligible regardless of how long they've been one. The rep you spoke is clearly an idiot, no surprise there, the 5 year rule only applies to means tested health insurance like medicaid, not the tax subsidies.

[belinda63 3,038]

There is sooooo much misinformation out there about the ACA. Dad-in-law got his green card back around May and we still can't get him insurance. My spouse will be making an appointment with a "kynector" who is supposed to assist him with getting signed up. The Kentucky system has given me every excuse they can such as: he has to be an LPR for five years to qualify for ACA, he is 65 or over so he qualifies for Medicare (not), he doesn't have income so he can sign up for Medicaid (not), and all the other excuses. I just spent three hours on the phone today and still have not been able to get him signed up. This is in addition to hours on the phone on other days and several times taking him to the local office in person.

Since we will be claiming him as a dependent on our taxes this next year we will be filing a long explanation of why he did not have insurance coverage and maybe the Federal Government will sue Kentucky to make them provide the ACA benefits to elderly immigrants.

[chillin4me 15]

my mom is wanting to have an insurance, we went to a doctor's clinic asked about insurance, the lady said that helps people sign up an insurance said, she can't apply to obamacare because she is not a citizen, and if LPR she needs to be 5-yr US resident.. so can we apply her for a private insurance then?

[Boiler 45,519]

You need to talk to so somebody who has a clue.

[Bertoli 16]

my mom is wanting to have an insurance, we went to a doctor's clinic asked about insurance, the lady said that helps people sign up an insurance said, she can't apply to obamacare because she is not a citizen, and if LPR she needs to be 5-yr US resident.. so can we apply her for a private insurance then?

Your mom can definitely apply for Obamacare insurance through Marketplace as a lawful immigrant. The 5 years residency requirements is only applicable for Medicaid. As a Legal resident your mom can purchase a health insurance through Marketplace. It's a little more expensive in the sense that she will have to pay a share of the cost but but the good thing is that it covers insured with existing conditions which has not been the case before Obamacare. However, there are about 29 states in the US have decided to allow immigrants with 5 years residency or less to have certain access to Medicaid whilst other have decided not to. So it really depends where you actually reside.

Lawfully Residing Immigrants with Five Years or Less US Residency

Access to subsidized coverage will also expand under the ACA for non-elderly lawfully residing immigrants with incomes below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level who have been in the country five years or less. As indicated above, adults in this immigrant category with incomes below 400 percent of the FPL who do not have access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance will be eligible for subsidized coverage in the health insurance exchange; those with incomes below 138 percent of the FPL will not be eligible for Medicaid coverage (except pregnant women under the state option) but can qualify for exchange subsidies if they pay two percent of income. This cost sharing requirement may constitute a barrier to enrollment for some immigrants in this category, particularly for those with incomes below 100 percent FPL. Also, subsidies for out-of-pocket cost-sharing will provide much less generous coverage than that offered through Medicaid, so even if poor immigrant families enroll, many may delay necessary care because of cost. Although qualified immigrants are subject to the mandate, some at the lowest income bracket will be excluded. For lawfully residing immigrant children who have been in the country five years or less, their eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP will continue to depend on the state in which they live — those in the 22 states that have opted to cover these children will maintain eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP given the maintenance of effort requirement under the ACA, while other states may choose to take advantage of this coverage option under CHIPRA. As described above, increasing participation among eligible immigrant children will likely depend on addressing a range of different enrollment barriers. Lawfully residing immigrant children who have been in the country five years or less with incomes below 400 percent of the FPL who live in one of the 29 states that are not required by the MOE to continue covering them under Medicaid or CHIP, or who do not live in a state that opts to cover them with state funds, will qualify for subsidized coverage through exchange plans under the ACA, which may in turn reduce their uninsured rates.

To find out which states expands Medicaid, visit this site

[Ian H. 207]

NY is one of those states that give out medicaid for LPR's with less than 5 years by the way. I didn't realize that many other states did so too.

Edited November 13, 2014 by Ian H.

[belinda63 3,038]

She is eligible the day she receives her green card. All the BS about having to be an LPR for five years is just that, BS. I actually read the US Federal Regulations and the Kentucky Regulations and no where does it say you have to be an LPR for five years. You just have to be really insistent with them. If they refuse to bend ask to speak to a supervisor.

[chillin4me 15]

thank you for all your feedback.. really helpful for us..

[sukhi4498 1]

Thanks a lots guys. I really appreciate for your help. I hope that my wife gets enrolled in subsidized health care plan/ Obama care on Nov 19th 2014

[Bertoli 16]

Thanks a lots guys. I really appreciate for your help. I hope that my wife gets enrolled in subsidized health care plan/ Obama care on Nov 19th 2014

thank you for all your feedback.. really helpful for us..

I hope it works out for both of you. If anyone from your city of residence Obamacare rep tells you you don't have access to Obamacare ask him/her to present you with evidence supporting that or document the refusal with a written statement. It's not a rule but generally speaking government workers are known to expedite things especially when they speak to a foreign born customer.