Medical Insurance: A big hurdle

[patriot10 11]

Medical Insurance and related issues is not only a big issue for all immigrants but also one of the biggest issues being faced by all americans today.

Everyone talks about high premiums, co-pays, insurance companies and what not but noone seems to be tackling the real issues, which are abnormally high medicine costs and hospital fees in the US as compared to the most of the rest of the world. Some procedures that cost $10k in other countries like India, cost $150k in the united states. Even basic dental stuff is priced 10-15 times as compared to some other countries. Great for the hospitals and the doctors as they make a lot of money but for the rest of the population it can mean going bankrupt should one get caught at the wrong time and the wrong place.

 

Trumpcare is seeking to ''fix'' obamacare but it seems its more from the insurance company point of view and to insure that the system continues and no insurance company goes bankrupt and the ''rich'' do not have to pay higher premiums to subsidize the ''poor''. Being of a capitalist frame of mind myself,  i dont like this subsidizing business myself and i dont think ANYONE should have to pay more just to cover up for those who pay less (for whatever reasons) .

 

So, they are thinking of getting rid of the forced fines for those who do not want to get insurance (which person in their right mind does not want to get insurance, its just a matter of affordablity) and put in some other measures so that life goes on and the hospitals, doctors, pharama companies and insurance companies etc can continue business as usual.

 

But what about families how make 50-80k a year and who are self employed or do not have medical insurances through jobs. Well, they are on their way to bankruptcy, if not today...maybe tomorrow.

 

The real issue of gross overpricing is not being looked at...I am amazed it does not even seem to be getting talked about. Just to keep the monopoly going, they dont allow one to buy medicines online from other countries (even if its the same medicine). 

 

Moving to the US in a few months and this ''medical insurance'' topic is one thing that seems to be completely out of control. Wonder how others are coping or hope to cope with the same.

 

I wont have a job to start with and when i do get a job, it wont be a fancy one so have lots to worry about. Moving to California.

[patriot10 11]

What are the options for medical insurance as one lands at the POE as a new immigrant?

Is there anything one can get before landing, ie is there anything known as immigrant insurance? (short term)

Best options in medical insurance as life goes on?

 

(above is assuming one is not on free medicare or not getting insurance through employer)

[Thesmiths2016 117]

I've been wondering about this myself.... but with things changing there daily (or so it seems) I feel like there's no point researching it until I get closer to travelling.  Do we have to have medical insurance before we travel on our visas?  
I'll be getting travel insurance through World Nomads to cover me for a short amount of time as I just don't want to be caught out in a medical emergency situation.  My husband and baby are US citizens already, they won't be able to use that insurance as it's only when travelling outside of your country of citizenship.  But I'll be getting it just as a starter for a few weeks when I arrive, until my greencard arrives.

[KierenHby 899]

A number of factors contribute to the high cost of medical care in the US, including superior hygiene that adds to cost, R&D costs that are borne by the public as well as shared by govt funding and private philanthropy, and patent laws. Irrespective of high costs, those who can afford it continue to travel to the US even if such care is available overseas. That says something about the comparison between the US vs overseas level of medical care.