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MapleLeaf29

Health Insurance After Entering the US

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Canada
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My fiancé and I are in the process of applying for his k-1 visa.  Our case was just forwarded to Montreal and we're starting to make plans for when he enters the United States.  Does anyone know if he can go on my health insurance right after we're married?  Does he have to wait for his SSN?  If it will take awhile to put him on my insurance, we want to get him a supplemental policy for the gap.  My employer said I could put him on my insurance as soon as we got married, but I'm not sure if they're familiar with the k-1 process.

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11/21/2016                 NOA1 received date
11/25/2016                 Date on NOA1 hard copy
11/28/2016                 NOA1 arrived in the mail
02/16/2017                 NOA2 (USCIS website and Case Tracker app)
02/21/2017                 NOA2 arrived in the mail
03/08/2017                 Case arrived at the NVC
03/09/2017                 NVC assigned case number
03/13/2017                 Case left the NVC
03/17/2017                 Case arrived in Montreal; status updated to "Ready"
03/17/2017                 Submitted DS-160
03/18/2017                 E-mailed Packet 3 to Montreal
03/20/2017                 Received Packet 4
04/26/2017                 Visa interview in Montreal - Approved!!!
04/27/2017                 CEAC status changed from "Administrative Processing" to "Visa Issued".
04/28/2017                 Visa arrived
05/29/2017                 POE Toronto (Pre-Clearance)/Minneapolis
06/01/2017                 Legal marriage
07/29/2017                 Wedding ceremony with family and friends

 

Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status:

06/16/2017                 Mailed AOS packet to Chicago lockbox

06/19/2017                 Chicago lockbox received

07/03/2017                 Notification texts & e-mails

07/12/2017                 NOA hard copies arrived in the mail

07/25/2017                 Biometrics letter arrived

08/02/2017                 Biometrics appointment

11/06/2017                 EAD and AP approval notice arrived in the mail

11/08/2017                 EAD card arrived (145 days after we sent our AOS packet)

03/15/2018                 Status changed to "Case is Ready to be Scheduled for an Interview"

07/21/2018                 Submitted paperwork to renew EAD/AP

09/01/2018                 Interview notice arrived in the mail

10/03/2018                 AOS interview (474 days after we mailed our paperwork)

11/08/2018                 InfoPass appointment to inquire about green card.  Learned that our file had been moved to the
                                       storage room for approved cases, but had not been marked "approved" in the computer system.

11/16/2018                 Online case status changed to "approved" (44 days after AOS interview)

11/21/2018                 Green card was mailed

11/24/2018                 Green card arrived!!!!!  (526 days after applying for AOS)

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
18 minutes ago, MapleLeaf29 said:

My fiancé and I are in the process of applying for his k-1 visa.  Our case was just forwarded to Montreal and we're starting to make plans for when he enters the United States.  Does anyone know if he can go on my health insurance right after we're married?  Does he have to wait for his SSN?  If it will take awhile to put him on my insurance, we want to get him a supplemental policy for the gap.  My employer said I could put him on my insurance as soon as we got married, but I'm not sure if they're familiar with the k-1 process.

I was able to but some companies want an SSN - it really depends.  

I would just fill out the paperwork and they are entitled to insurance as married to you - but some companies will give you a hard time until you get the SSN!  i would suggest using the canadian SIN.  its the same amount of digits. I have used that at banks before and it was fine! 

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You should be able to add him to health insurance regardless of SSN after marriage.  It is a qualifying life changing event. 

But the day he arrives in the USA with his K1 he can apply for an SSN. 

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  - Dr. Seuss

 

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Canada
Timeline
8 hours ago, caliliving said:

I was able to but some companies want an SSN - it really depends.  

I would just fill out the paperwork and they are entitled to insurance as married to you - but some companies will give you a hard time until you get the SSN!  i would suggest using the canadian SIN.  its the same amount of digits. I have used that at banks before and it was fine! 

DON'T USE A NUMBER THAT IS NOT YOUR SSN!!! It should not be an issue to have your spouse on your health insurance. Not having a SSN should not be a ground for denial.

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
On 3/14/2017 at 9:24 AM, NewBrunswicker said:

DON'T USE A NUMBER THAT IS NOT YOUR SSN!!! It should not be an issue to have your spouse on your health insurance. Not having a SSN should not be a ground for denial.

Some insurance companies will just put 999-99-9999 making it obvious it's not a real SSN, so this should be fine.

 

OP, when your fiance enters the U.S. have him go to a Social Security Administration office to apply for an SSN right away. If you don't get this done within the first 75 days of entering the U.S. (They will deny the SSN application 15 days or less from the expiration of the I-94, regardless of marriage status), he'll have to wait until EAD to apply approx. 3-5 months later. Having the SSN will make life much easier such as bank accounts, drivers license, credit cards, health insurance, etc., even while adjusting status.

03-19-2021: Officially an American Citizen 🇺🇸 Entire journey from initial K-1 Visa filing to Naturalization took 5 years, 8 days.

You can see my complete timeline by clicking here.

 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline

As an HR person - it's an Affordable Care Act requirement now. Your Benefits provider will require it very soon after adding your new spouse if not at the time you enroll so sooner he goes to the SS Office, the better. Technically they can start the enrollment without it.

 

It's not grounds for denial, its simply a requirement. Generally you have 30 days from the 'Life event' (aka the wedding date) to enroll him. Sounds like you've already spoken to your Benefits/HR team. They may be able to put off the need for the SSN knowing he's in the process of applying for it.

 

".....health plans have to send the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information about health plan members and their insurance coverage, including their Social Security number (or other tax identification number)..."

 

9 yrs ago - it wasn't a requirement when ia arrived but now it is.

Edited by Udella&Wiz

Wiz(USC) and Udella(Cdn & USC!)

Naturalization

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02/28/11 - NOA

03/28/11 - FP

06/17/11 - status change - scheduled for interview

06/20?/11 - received physical interview letter

07/13/11 - Interview in Fairfax,VA - easiest 10 minutes of my life

07/19/11 - Oath ceremony in Fairfax, VA

******************

Removal of Conditions

12/1/09 - received at VSC

12/2/09 - NOA's for self and daughter

01/12/10 - Biometrics completed

03/15/10 - 10 Green Card Received - self and daughter

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1 hour ago, Udella&Wiz said:

As an HR person - it's an Affordable Care Act requirement now. Your Benefits provider will require it very soon after adding your new spouse if not at the time you enroll so sooner he goes to the SS Office, the better. Technically they can start the enrollment without it.

 

It's not grounds for denial, its simply a requirement. Generally you have 30 days from the 'Life event' (aka the wedding date) to enroll him. Sounds like you've already spoken to your Benefits/HR team. They may be able to put off the need for the SSN knowing he's in the process of applying for it.

 

".....health plans have to send the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information about health plan members and their insurance coverage, including their Social Security number (or other tax identification number)..."

 

9 yrs ago - it wasn't a requirement when ia arrived but now it is.

It is not a requirement.  You can be identified by other ways/show proof of coverage.  https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/questions-and-answers-about-reporting-social-security-numbers-to-your-health-insurance-company

 

Quote

Q4: What if I refuse to provide this information to my health insurance company?

A4: The information received by the Internal Revenue Service will be used to verify information on your individual income tax return.  If the information you provide on your tax return cannot be verified, you may receive an inquiry from the Internal Revenue Service.  You also may receive a notice from the Internal Revenue Service indicating that you are liable for an individual shared responsibility payment. [You can then submit proof of coverage and NOT pay any penalty]

Q5: If I do not have a social security number (SSN) or other tax identifying number (TIN) for myself or other covered individuals, such as my spouse or dependents, should I contact the IRS to obtain  a social security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) so that I can give it to my health coverage provider?

A5: No, it is not necessary for you to contact the IRS if you do not have an SSN or a TIN.  You should advise your coverage provider that you do not have an SSN or TIN and give them the date of birth for each covered individual.

 

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Canada
Timeline

This is really helpful.  Thank you, everyone!

Click here for K1:

Spoiler

11/19/2016                 Mailed I-129F packet
11/21/2016                 NOA1 received date
11/25/2016                 Date on NOA1 hard copy
11/28/2016                 NOA1 arrived in the mail
02/16/2017                 NOA2 (USCIS website and Case Tracker app)
02/21/2017                 NOA2 arrived in the mail
03/08/2017                 Case arrived at the NVC
03/09/2017                 NVC assigned case number
03/13/2017                 Case left the NVC
03/17/2017                 Case arrived in Montreal; status updated to "Ready"
03/17/2017                 Submitted DS-160
03/18/2017                 E-mailed Packet 3 to Montreal
03/20/2017                 Received Packet 4
04/26/2017                 Visa interview in Montreal - Approved!!!
04/27/2017                 CEAC status changed from "Administrative Processing" to "Visa Issued".
04/28/2017                 Visa arrived
05/29/2017                 POE Toronto (Pre-Clearance)/Minneapolis
06/01/2017                 Legal marriage
07/29/2017                 Wedding ceremony with family and friends

 

Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status:

06/16/2017                 Mailed AOS packet to Chicago lockbox

06/19/2017                 Chicago lockbox received

07/03/2017                 Notification texts & e-mails

07/12/2017                 NOA hard copies arrived in the mail

07/25/2017                 Biometrics letter arrived

08/02/2017                 Biometrics appointment

11/06/2017                 EAD and AP approval notice arrived in the mail

11/08/2017                 EAD card arrived (145 days after we sent our AOS packet)

03/15/2018                 Status changed to "Case is Ready to be Scheduled for an Interview"

07/21/2018                 Submitted paperwork to renew EAD/AP

09/01/2018                 Interview notice arrived in the mail

10/03/2018                 AOS interview (474 days after we mailed our paperwork)

11/08/2018                 InfoPass appointment to inquire about green card.  Learned that our file had been moved to the
                                       storage room for approved cases, but had not been marked "approved" in the computer system.

11/16/2018                 Online case status changed to "approved" (44 days after AOS interview)

11/21/2018                 Green card was mailed

11/24/2018                 Green card arrived!!!!!  (526 days after applying for AOS)

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
21 hours ago, Lemonslice said:

It is not a requirement.  You can be identified by other ways/show proof of coverage.  https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/questions-and-answers-about-reporting-social-security-numbers-to-your-health-insurance-company

 

 

It kind of is...... I work in HR systems and it is a required field in the files we send to the vendors. It became a requirement as a result of the ACA. While it can be skipped initially.

Wiz(USC) and Udella(Cdn & USC!)

Naturalization

02/22/11 - Filed

02/28/11 - NOA

03/28/11 - FP

06/17/11 - status change - scheduled for interview

06/20?/11 - received physical interview letter

07/13/11 - Interview in Fairfax,VA - easiest 10 minutes of my life

07/19/11 - Oath ceremony in Fairfax, VA

******************

Removal of Conditions

12/1/09 - received at VSC

12/2/09 - NOA's for self and daughter

01/12/10 - Biometrics completed

03/15/10 - 10 Green Card Received - self and daughter

******************

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By law the only person who can request such a number directly is the IRS. If the IRS wants the number, they can ask the policyholder. Even if the insurance company sends a document asking that the SSN be entered, there will be clearly marked language referring to the above mentioned IRS requirements. The IRS has other methods of verifying the individual, and if the SSN is truly needed they will request it directly.

 

OP: My advice to most K1 couples is to go apply for the SSN as soon as possible before marriage. Then following your marriage you can navigate finding health insurance coverage with a lot less fuss. Your spouse can be added to your plan with or without an SSN, but you will find having one will give you a lot less future headaches. The sooner you can get your spouse coverage the better.

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47 minutes ago, Udella&Wiz said:

It kind of is...... I work in HR systems and it is a required field in the files we send to the vendors. It became a requirement as a result of the ACA. While it can be skipped initially.

HR systems required fields are not law.   I understand they're required to ask, but no one has to provide it to them. I got my annual statement of coverage and my SSN is empty - BCBS sent me a couple letters asking for it, I replied with the IRS information and my preference to use my birth date as identifier. 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
39 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

HR systems required fields are not law.   I understand they're required to ask, but no one has to provide it to them. I got my annual statement of coverage and my SSN is empty - BCBS sent me a couple letters asking for it, I replied with the IRS information and my preference to use my birth date as identifier. 

Your company has your SSN, they pass it on - trust me. All your personal data gets passed on. Our employees are constantly surprised what data is passed on to benefits vendors. Sometimes employee only, frequently spousal and child SSNs are not stored at the employer level. I see your point about using the dob as your identifier, just be forewarned that your company doesn't need to ask your permission before they pass it on when complying with government regulations.

 

 

The first answer in that link is this. They file the 1095 by SSN with the IRS which is the usual , sure way to associate an individual across systems

 

A1. Your health insurance company is required to provide Form 1095-B, Health Coverage to you and to the Internal Revenue Service. You will use information from the form to prepare your individual income tax return. The law requires SSNs to be reported on Form 1095-B

Edited by Udella&Wiz

Wiz(USC) and Udella(Cdn & USC!)

Naturalization

02/22/11 - Filed

02/28/11 - NOA

03/28/11 - FP

06/17/11 - status change - scheduled for interview

06/20?/11 - received physical interview letter

07/13/11 - Interview in Fairfax,VA - easiest 10 minutes of my life

07/19/11 - Oath ceremony in Fairfax, VA

******************

Removal of Conditions

12/1/09 - received at VSC

12/2/09 - NOA's for self and daughter

01/12/10 - Biometrics completed

03/15/10 - 10 Green Card Received - self and daughter

******************

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10 minutes ago, Udella&Wiz said:

Your company has your SSN, they pass it on - trust me. All your personal data gets passed on. Our employees are constantly surprised what data is passed on to benefits vendors. Sometimes employee only, frequently spousal and child SSNs are not stored at the employer level. I see your point about using the dob as your identifier, just be forewarned that your company doesn't need to ask your permission before they pass it on.

I do not have insurance through my employer... 

Employers also have a duty to take reasonable care with sensitive information.  Colleagues and myself  at a previous job received an interesting settlement after our employer shared similar details.  Being careless about it does not make it ok.

Edited by Lemonslice
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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
7 hours ago, Lemonslice said:

I do not have insurance through my employer... 

Employers also have a duty to take reasonable care with sensitive information.  Colleagues and myself  at a previous job received an interesting settlement after our employer shared similar details.  Being careless about it does not make it ok.

Ahh, makes sense then that you may not have supplied your SSN. I didn't say anyone was being careless with data though (the appropriate security measures are taken, files are exchanged securely, encryption is used etc...), only that a great deal of personal information is exchanged by companies in the data they send their benefits vendors

 

 

Wiz(USC) and Udella(Cdn & USC!)

Naturalization

02/22/11 - Filed

02/28/11 - NOA

03/28/11 - FP

06/17/11 - status change - scheduled for interview

06/20?/11 - received physical interview letter

07/13/11 - Interview in Fairfax,VA - easiest 10 minutes of my life

07/19/11 - Oath ceremony in Fairfax, VA

******************

Removal of Conditions

12/1/09 - received at VSC

12/2/09 - NOA's for self and daughter

01/12/10 - Biometrics completed

03/15/10 - 10 Green Card Received - self and daughter

******************

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