Pregnant with pending AOS

[RainbowMonkey 24]

A few months after marriage, we found out that we are pregnant. It was totally unplanned and we are emotionally and financially unprepared. Since my husband is the only one working as i haven't got my EAD or my GC yet, we are financially struggling. Also, I don't have an insurance. As we found out about this pregnancy, I tried to apply for Medicaid but got denied because of my immigration status. We had to go to my doctor's appointment eventhough we have no clue on how to pay those bills. So far i just had 3 appointments and the bill already pilled up to $1100.

Does anyone has any idea or information about how or what should i do to get insurance or what not? I'm thinking of skipping some doctors appointment to at least lessen the bill. Also, is there any way i can ask USCIS to expedite my EAD or GC in my situation?

Thanks and all your ideas and opinion are welcome.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi,

Can your husband add you to his employer's insurance?

USCIS will not expedite anything because of pregnancy.

Best of luck.

[RainbowMonkey 24]

Hi,

Can your husband add you to his employer's insurance?

USCIS will not expedite anything because of pregnancy.

Best of luck.

We failed to add me in his insurance because they only gave 30 days after marriage to change. We didn't think that I'm gonna need it because we really didn't plan on this. Also my husband doesn't make much and it's gonna take 2/3 of his paycheck with me in his insurance.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

When is the next time your husband can add you to his insurance?

You can ask to expedite EAD, but even if they do it, you'd need to find a job with insurance for it to do any good.

Would you consider a home birth with a midwife? if you have a low risk pregnancy, it is a good option.

[Unlockable 7,315]

We failed to add me in his insurance because they only gave 30 days after marriage to change. We didn't think that I'm gonna need it because we really didn't plan on this. Also my husband doesn't make much and it's gonna take 2/3 of his paycheck with me in his insurance.

I was going to ask about adding to your husband's insurance plan but I saw the above reply. I'm sorry to say but this is a huge oversight. Most employers benefits give 30 days to employees after life changing events to adjust/ add to their benefits. Also, you will need some sort of insurance now due to the ACA being passed. If not, you will be penalized during tax season. Immigrants don't qualify for Medicaid. That is part of the main reasons why they have the USC sign an affidavit of support so immigrants don't get on government based assistance or get free medical care without ever having paid into it.

Fortunately you still have options.

1. The birth of your child is a life changing event and your baby can be added to his insurance. DO SO IMMEDIATELY.

2. You can make arrangements with hospitals for payments. Or have some cost reduction.

3. You can look into affordable plans. (Yes it will cost money but you will at least have coverage throughout your pregnancy).

4. You can research support groups that offer help for immigrants like yourself.

5. You could probably get emergency medicare during the birth of your child. I don't think it covers prenatal care.

6. You can ask your husband to contact his employer's benefit and plead his heart out to add you to his plan. (It is a long shot but worth a try.)

Use this time to research options on temporary affordable care. You may discover one that is at your price range. It may take a lot of digging but it could be exactly what you need.

Edited July 30, 2016 by NuestraUnion

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Oh gosh you are in the worst state for this as we don't have pregnant medicaid for this situation like other states. Call your local health department. They may have low cost prenatal care.