Medical Insurance question

[Dantrolene 15]

Hi all,

I am a conditional GC holder, who have to apply for insurance coverage to avoid paying penalty fees on my tax. My sitation at work doesn't give benefits as I am working part time. I was looking for the cheapest coverage ever with high deductible rate. I found one one sevencorners insurnace company that cost around $ 40 per month with deductible $7500. Is this insurance will be acceptable in my WA state where I live ? Its private and crappy insurance obviously, but I just need something better than nothing to avoid paying penalty as I said.

Thanks,

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

Looks like a travel insurance company. You are a resident of USA, you can't buy travel insurance for the USA. Even if you could I'm sure it does not qualify for ACA as minimum requirement.

[Dantrolene 15]

It does provide short term insurance for residents besides travel. Check here https://www.sevencorners.com/short-term-health-insurance

They require to be a resident in the US to quality for this one. What do you think now after checking the link ?

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

From the FAQ section of the site:

" Is my insurance plan with Seven Corners considered health insurance coverage under PPACA?

No. Under PPACA, the term health insurance coverage means insurance benefits offered by a health insurance issuer, which is an insurance company that is licensed to engage in the business of insurance in a State of the U.S. and which is subject to State law that regulates insurance. Seven Corners international plans are underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyds, London, Tramont Insurance Company Limited, Nationwide, and United States Fire Insurance Company for persons that are not eligible for or required to purchase a PPACA plan. If you are now eligible for or required to purchase a PPACA plan and the PPACA plan application asks you whether you currently have health insurance coverage, you should answer that question No."

[Dantrolene 15]

I don't understand now. I think they are two different things. I am confused now. This short term one is for US residents based on their website.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

That does not mean it counts as insurance for the purposes of avoiding the penalty.

Call them and ask them directly if having this insurance is enough to avoid the penalty.

There are many insurances that you can have that don't actually "count" as insurance for the purposes of Obamacare.

Most likely anything that was $50/months would fall into that category, otherwise everybody would have insurance and nobody would choose to pay the penalty instead.

Also it says it right there that it does not cover pre-existing conditions. That's a pretty good sign that it's not Obamacare-compliant, so doesn't count as coverage for purposes of avoiding the penalty.

Edited July 16, 2016 by EM_Vandaveer

[Dantrolene 15]

I see. you'are right. I read their FAQ section and they said they don't meet the requirement for ACA.

It's just ####### to pay $150 every month for Molina insurance and for deductible $5000 and that's the cheapest out there I think.

Do you know any cheaper than Molina ? I am really on tight budget and need anything to avoid the penalty.

Thanks

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

I see. you'are right. I read their FAQ section and they said they don't meet the requirement for ACA.

It's just ####### to pay $150 every month for Molina insurance and for deductible $5000 and that's the cheapest out there I think.

Do you know any cheaper than Molina ? I am really on tight budget and need anything to avoid the penalty.

Thanks

Everything I looked at was $300/month. I don't have insurance by choice, it's outrageously expensive.

How much penalty would you have to pay?

Edited July 16, 2016 by EM_Vandaveer

[Dantrolene 15]

I think it depends on age, conditions,,etc. I am 26, that's why its $150 I guess.

I think the penalty this year in WA state is 2.5% of household income. MY wife income is high and that's another problem too. So If I would choose to pay penalty, its going to be really high due to my wife's income. I was thinking about applying for exemption or waiver due to religious issues or low income based on sole income. We apply for joint tax btw. Its messed up here I think.

[EmilyW 1,434]

If your wife is employed, why can't you get coverage through her?

[yuna628 9,676]

Hi there,

Keep the following in mind: Short term insurances, travel insurances, insurances marketed towards immigrants, visitors, or those just passing through ARE NOT federally compliant. The government considers them substandard in care, and therefore if used, the penalty still applies (they consider it almost like you don't even have insurance in this way). Sevencorners is not federally compliant and generally will not cover pre-existing conditions, and whether you will receive decent care, or find a doctor that participates is debatable.

That leaves the following options:

1) Go without insurance. Sounds crazy right? Probably, but plenty of people do. The yearly penalty is still mathematically cheaper than the amount you pay yearly for insurance. Whether the cost vs risk is worth it, is up to the individual.

2) Obtain health insurance through employer. If your employer doesn't provide it, does your wife's employer?

3) Use your state exchange. You are eligible for this with a green card with minimal issues. If your state doesn't offer it (it would since you're in WA - applecare or something like that), go for the federal exchange (Obamacare). Immigrants are more than eligible to use O'care.

4) Go private. There are numerous private insurance companies that offer in each state. Many of these same companies and plans you'll even find offered on the exchange. Some may be cheaper and some more expensive. They are all federally compliant. You may cancel at any time if your job situation changes that offers insurance. You can find these insurances by searching directly or a compiler like ehealthinsurance. You should be able to find plans like Kaiser or BCBS.

Lastly, cost. You must be prepared for sticker shock. Insurance here is not free nor is it very cheap, and those that find savings through O'care depends on the situation (which typically doesn't apply). In my case, we went private, and it costs us about $400+ per month, for the basic bronze type plan, with a high deductible. That's comparable to the exchange for our state unfortunately. Every state is different and there are many factors related to how much you will pay.

I'd say $150 per month is a pretty sweet deal, and wish I had that kind of savings in my pocket right now. ;-)

Exemptions? Unless you're Amish, you're going to have a hard time fighting that one out with the feds.

Edited July 16, 2016 by yuna628

[Cathi 5,748]

I think it depends on age, conditions,,etc. I am 26, that's why its $150 I guess.

I think the penalty this year in WA state is 2.5% of household income. MY wife income is high and that's another problem too. So If I would choose to pay penalty, its going to be really high due to my wife's income. I was thinking about applying for exemption or waiver due to religious issues or low income based on sole income. We apply for joint tax btw. Its messed up here I think.

why would religion prevent you from carrying health insurance? Answer:it doesn't. You cannot get a waiver.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

why would religion prevent you from carrying health insurance? Answer:it doesn't. You cannot get a waiver.

Actually it is one of the reasons for a waiver BUT it has to be documented that A) one actually belongs to a religious community B) said religion opposes health insurance.

(Amish, for example, there are a few more.)

However I agree with you that this is most likely not applicable to OP.

[Dantrolene 15]

Well if joining religion like Amish etc. Would make me eligible for a waiver. I wouldn't mind joining Amish and ask for documentation from the church. I only have 2 options now after I discussed all other options and they won't fit me. First, Paying which is hard for me because I only work one day a week now and I have to finish my studies asap, second to apply for exemption by being Amish or something would fit my situation.

What do you think guys ? I know it's a bit crazy but I wanna try every single possible option out there; one may fit to avoid penalty.

[Dantrolene 15]

Hi there,

Keep the following in mind: Short term insurances, travel insurances, insurances marketed towards immigrants, visitors, or those just passing through ARE NOT federally compliant. The government considers them substandard in care, and therefore if used, the penalty still applies (they consider it almost like you don't even have insurance in this way). Sevencorners is not federally compliant and generally will not cover pre-existing conditions, and whether you will receive decent care, or find a doctor that participates is debatable.

That leaves the following options:

1) Go without insurance. Sounds crazy right? Probably, but plenty of people do. The yearly penalty is still mathematically cheaper than the amount you pay yearly for insurance. Whether the cost vs risk is worth it, is up to the individual.

2) Obtain health insurance through employer. If your employer doesn't provide it, does your wife's employer?

3) Use your state exchange. You are eligible for this with a green card with minimal issues. If your state doesn't offer it (it would since you're in WA - applecare or something like that), go for the federal exchange (Obamacare). Immigrants are more than eligible to use O'care.

4) Go private. There are numerous private insurance companies that offer in each state. Many of these same companies and plans you'll even find offered on the exchange. Some may be cheaper and some more expensive. They are all federally compliant. You may cancel at any time if your job situation changes that offers insurance. You can find these insurances by searching directly or a compiler like ehealthinsurance. You should be able to find plans like Kaiser or BCBS.

Lastly, cost. You must be prepared for sticker shock. Insurance here is not free nor is it very cheap, and those that find savings through O'care depends on the situation (which typically doesn't apply). In my case, we went private, and it costs us about $400+ per month, for the basic bronze type plan, with a high deductible. That's comparable to the exchange for our state unfortunately. Every state is different and there are many factors related to how much you will pay.

I'd say $150 per month is a pretty sweet deal, and wish I had that kind of savings in my pocket right now. ;-)

Exemptions? Unless you're Amish, you're going to have a hard time fighting that one out with the feds.

Thanks for tour long explanation.

I wish I could have been eligible for Obama care. I am not because I am a new resident. I have to apply after 5 years from staying in the states. I think but I am not sure Molina which is affordable care act is the cheapest out there but cheap for me as I am working one day a week. I would personally go for the penalty if it doesn't mathematically based on the household income. My wife's income made me ineligible for lots of things actually. I am classified as middle class like her but in fact I am in the poor class right now. It's unfair as we don't share things together. Anyway, that's why I am thinking of being Amish and apply for exemption or whatever other reason would make me eligible for waiver, I would go for it. Any thoughts ?