K1 to AoS and Medicaid

[wanderlust_16 7]

Hi, my husband came here on a K1 visa in June and we got married in August. We have now filed for adjustment of status and I am trying to get him health insurance. My company does not provide insurance, so I am on medicaid through Vermont Health Connect. I am wondering if he can also get that through my policy, or if that is a government assistant program and he is ineligible. I just don't want him to be uninsured any longer than he has to!

Thanks for your help.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

He is ineligible. He can however get obamacare

[almost_umrican 54]

He is ineligible. He can however get obamacare

are you sure it is called obamacare ?

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to Moving to the US and Your New Life in America Forum~

~Past K1, similar topics are often discussed at this forum~

[Boiler 46,123]

Agree Obamacare through the Exchange.

[DaveNot 55]

https://www.healthcare.gov/They also have free consultants. Call around and see if you have one that specifically deals with immigration cases. The questions are tricky.

[verneforchat 139]

Hi, my husband came here on a K1 visa in June and we got married in August. We have now filed for adjustment of status and I am trying to get him health insurance. My company does not provide insurance, so I am on medicaid through Vermont Health Connect. I am wondering if he can also get that through my policy, or if that is a government assistant program and he is ineligible. I just don't want him to be uninsured any longer than he has to!

Thanks for your help.

Medicaid/Medicare are government assisted programs.

Try ACA (aka Obamacare)

[wanderlust_16 7]

Has anyone actually had experience with this? Looking into Obamacare, it looks like it varies by state. So it brings me back to Vermont Health Connect where his only option would be an expensive plan. And obviously, with me being on medicare, we cannot afford something like that.

[Boiler 46,123]

I know how it works in Colorado and I assume it is similar where you are.

You can apply on line or call them, there may even be somewhere he can go.

There are tax credits available and presumably at his age the premiums are relatively low.

Unless he can get a job with good benefits this is likely to be the best bet.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Your plan is probably subsidized because of your USC status, he isn't eligible because he is a pending/new resident. Unfortunately that is what you have to pay.

[Boiler 46,123]

She is on Medicaid.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Has anyone actually had experience with this? Looking into Obamacare, it looks like it varies by state. So it brings me back to Vermont Health Connect where his only option would be an expensive plan. And obviously, with me being on medicare, we cannot afford something like that.

Yes, it is expensive but he is not eligible for Medicaid

[DaveNot 55]

My experience with the marketplace wasn't a good one. I missed plenty of opportunities to apply within a set date range. You have to apply within 60 days (VA) of a life changing circumstance (marriage) in order to gain access to the marketplace. I'm not a greencard holder yet and i missed the window, so it was more difficult for me. I had to see a consultant to actually gain a better understanding of how the place worked, but managed to get access with their certified navigators. I made several trips (like 5) and i did most of the work. However, if you do miss this window of opportunity, you'll most likely have to apply for medicaid for your husband and have them reject him first, then submit that rejection letter to the marketplace to gain entry into the marketplace (life changing circumstance again) so it is considered to have been rejected medical insurance. So, my advise to make it easier is to have him enroll within the 60 days window, otherwise you'll have to prove somehow you qualifiy for the "special enrollment period."

You will also need to provide proof that he cannot obtain insurance through your workplace, and proof of immigration and household income if you're apply deductions. You can upload all this ###### online to them, so its easy. I just went to staples and scanned everything there and emailed it to myself.

The difference I found with the marketplace and private insurance like ***removed*** is the level of coverage you can get in network. A lot more is covered given the basic needs these companies have to abide by when providing services, however it my not be as great as your expecations, so read around somewhat.

Edited September 30, 2015 by DaveNot

[DaveNot 55]

Not to hijack this thread, but isn't there a 3 month coverage rule thingy? Meaning, that if you're not enrolled by some form of medical for 3 months out of a year that you'll likely recieve and have to pay a fine?