Very Uncommon Situation

[squareleg 69]

I can't believe you will suggest an abortion but hey, you're entitled to your opinions.

Buying their own insurance will take care of this.

It's a legal choice....

"We have no insurance and are not making much money to cover the likely astronomical bills"....given the financial situation....also a better choice. Bringing/raising a new life requires: time, money, stability, emotional readiness.....etc.

If OP is young, they will have plenty of opportunities to start a family in more conducive situations than when they are working on building their careers....MBA, jobs etc.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

"You guys are barely surviving here and you are bringing a child into the mix?" ... Really Ice couple? No, the baby was not planned. We were not intentionally trying to have a baby. Things like this happen when people are married. This is my first day exploring options and looking into what I can and can`t do. This came out of left field. Was hoping to find someone that has been through a similar situation, or that knows someone who has. From the info that I`ve found it seems that pre-natal insurance isn't even an option? Or that one must first have a policy for 12 months or more before we`d be able to actually use it.

My opinion was harsh, I understand. And I had a feeling the pregnancy wasn't planned.

So what does your wife do now?

I will pm you some ideas and see if they are a fit for you.

[ManCharsey 254]

You seriously lack comprehension skills. Do you READ to UNDERSTAND?

Good for you addressing a post that wasn't meant for you and for your aggressive posture..Calm down and count to three..everything will be alright!

[EmilyW 1,429]

Have you considered health care sharing ministries?

http://www.npr.org/2013/09/28/227238887/the-religious-alternative-to-obamacares-individual-mandate

Congrats on the baby. Children are a gift (someone please remind me of that when my 10 year old backchats me). :-)

[Cuchita is back 0]

Hi is Charity Care available in your State? If so apply for it now at any hospital.

[Bzegurl 41]

You guys are barely surviving here and you are bringing a child into the mix? The childbirth alone will cost y'all at least $10,000 on a lucky day.

Are you guys looking for other jobs? It is cool and awesome for work for the church, but you guys need to try to earn a living outside of the church.

You have health insurance penalties coming up.

You say you don't intend to stay here for good but is this the life you want for yourself, your child and your family? Are things that bad in your home country?

You have to make smart choices and not let things happen.

Wow I normally just pass comments like these but this one right here got me. Lord help you that life don't just happen to you.

[Mrs. Wild 87]

You should be able to purchase private insurance as some other people have mentioned. It sounds like you have decided to keep the baby, therefore talk of abortion seems entirely irrelevant. I would suggest you look into different types of births and see which fits your financial situation and general philosophy. Hospitals can be extremely expensive (especially without insurance), but you could try looking into birthing centers with a midwife? That's one way to lower your prenatal bills and labor/delivery fees. Most hospitals also offer payment plans that you can pay off over a long period of time. So if insurance doesn't work out, that could be another alternative.

Does the church you work for provide any sort of aid for their employees?

Best of luck to you!

[Everlast 49]

Hey guys,

Somewhat of a odd situation here. Not sure how to proceed. I am Dutch and on F1 status, graduated with MBA this last may, in wait for OPT card ( Ive been working a CPT job for the past year and will continue there under OPT). Wife, is Brazilian, graduated this past December and is currently on OPT at the same place I am going to work. It is a church, and as soon as my OPT card comes out will be filing for R1 (religious visa) for us. Lo and Behold we find out yesterday that she is pregnant. I am at a loss as I have no idea what to do. We have no insurance and are not making much money to cover the likely astronomical bills we have been hearing about. Staying in the country has never been a goal for us but we were able to make deep roots here over the course of the past few years and I definitely see us staying a few more years in service of the Church we work at. So again real fast:

1. I am F1 waiting for OPT card

2. Wife is F1 Already on OPT

3. Wife pregnant

4. No insurance

5. Scared lol

Any ideas and/or advice would be greatly appreciated...

Please do not abort the baby. You may regret it in future.

God Bless you guys!

[merc0230 28]

I don't know what it is called, some other posters have referred to Charity Care, maybe that is the same thing. However, here in Florida and in Georgia the hospitals we have been to have a questionnaire to fill out to see if you qualify to waive their fees. It seems to be income based, so you might try talking to the perspective hospital. That would not be the same as medicaid/medicare so if you did want to come back you would not have to worry about paying back those bills.

Good luck and Congrats on the new baby, they are gifts from God.

[lutz 41]

Don't let the ones who jump on you for your situation get to you. It happens here on VJ, in spite of all the good advice that can be found. The best thing would be to try and find low cost health insurance at this point. It will take a lot of research, but I believe if you put the time in, you will find it. Best of luck.

[MaleAlpha 314]

I see some folks with very short fuses on this thread lol.

Why judge the OP when they simply came here to ask for for an opinion on their situation?

Sad indeed. If you have nothing positive to say, perhaps don't say anything at all.

[Boiler 45,419]

Students usually get their Insurance trough their University.

nd one of the requirements in getting a Student Visa is that you can fund yourself including living costs.

[squareleg 69]

Students usually get their Insurance trough their University.

nd one of the requirements in getting a Student Visa is that you can fund yourself including living costs.

Not valid when you complete your coursework and on OPT. One is responsible to buy their own insurance and not covered through school/university.

[Boiler 45,419]

So should be Employer provided.

[squareleg 69]

So should be Employer provided.

Exactly. With the MBAs, CPT and OPT that should be straightforward.

However, I'm not certain if they are using their graduate degrees and CPT/OPT accurately.....when the mention working for "church".