Should I be upfront about my brain tumor?

[Selenicereus56 1]

While my Adjustment of Status application was pending, I found out I had a brain tumor.
I was in America when I found out (am still in America) and I also got it removed in America.

It was benign thankfully, and most if not all of my medical expenses have been erased thanks to hospital based charities.
I did not have advance parole when I decided to do the surgery and I decided to do it in America for my health (couldn't know if it was benign without a piece atleast...), my sanity and my husband.

We have been called in for an interview. Should I be upfront about this?

[payxibka 10,047]

5 minutes ago, Selenicereus56 said:

While my Adjustment of Status application was pending, I found out I had a brain tumor.
I was in America when I found out (am still in America) and I also got it removed in America.

It was benign thankfully, and most if not all of my medical expenses have been erased thanks to hospital based charities.
I did not have advance parole when I decided to do the surgery and I decided to do it in America for my health (couldn't know if it was benign without a piece atleast...), my sanity and my husband.

We have been called in for an interview. Should I be upfront about this?

It is not a medical reason for a denial

 

This is also in the wrong forum as this is not a K-1 question but an Adjustment of status question

Edited January 3, 2018 by payxibka

[dentsflogged 352]

If asked, I would tell them. 

I doubt they'd ask, but I haven't gotten to that stage of the process yet.

 

My "aunt" (one of my dad's oldest friends) is one of the "best" types of Lawyer you can be in Australia (A QC) and she always used to tell me "always tell the truth freely and openly... if it's something they can find out from another source"

[Selenicereus56 1]

I was worried I might have trouble in regards to them seeing me as a liability because of medical expenses I am going to be having in the future. Like followup MRI and such.
Also if I should just say it openly, or if I should keep it to myself unless they ask..?

[payxibka 10,047]

Just now, Selenicereus56 said:

I was worried I might have trouble in regards to them seeing me as a liability because of medical expenses I am going to be having in the future. Like followup MRI and such.
Also if I should just say it openly, or if I should keep it to myself unless they ask..?

Medical expense is not the issue.  The issue is will you become a public charge.  If you have medical insurance or the ability to pay for any medical procedure then what is the issue?

[Selenicereus56 1]

That's what I meant. I do not have health insurance, I found out when I didn't and my medical bills have been covered by charities like the OSF Sisters Charity

[payxibka 10,047]

2 minutes ago, Selenicereus56 said:

That's what I meant. I do not have health insurance, I found out when I didn't and my medical bills have been covered by charities like the OSF Sisters Charity

Your spouse doesn't have insurance?  You are eligible for ACA.  Everyone has access to insurance either through an employer or the marketplace

[Selenicereus56 1]

12 minutes ago, payxibka said:

It is not a medical reason for a denial

He did, but he was on his fathers insurance at the time and because of that I did not have access to any.
Any smaller medical issue we would have been able to deal with ourselves, but a surprise brain tumor resection is another thing...

Everything is covered for now, but I will have to recieve some sort of followup to make sure nothing grows back the rest of my life.
Those expenses are what makes me worried they might consider me a public charge.

[payxibka 10,047]

1 minute ago, Selenicereus56 said:

He did, but he was on his fathers insurance at the time and because of that I did not have access to any.
Any smaller medical issue we would have been able to deal with ourselves, but a surprise brain tumor resection is another thing...

Everything is covered for now, but I will have to recieve some sort of followup to make sure nothing grows back the rest of my life.
Those expenses are what makes me worried they might consider me a public charge.

A pre-existing condition does not make you ineligible to obtain insurance.  

[Selenicereus56 1]

Yes, but most insurances will not cover medical expenses caused by pre-existing conditions.
The fact that we got everything covered by charity might also be a reason for concern.

My main point is still if I should shut up about it or not.

[payxibka 10,047]

5 minutes ago, Selenicereus56 said:

Yes, but most insurances will not cover medical expenses caused by pre-existing conditions.
The fact that we got everything covered by charity might also be a reason for concern.

My main point is still if I should shut up about it or not.

I am trying to help you because it isn't the way you see it.  

 

Under current law, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.

These rules went into effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.

 

You certainly have the option to treat the interview like a deposition.  If the subject doesn't come up then don't tell.  Be truthful in everything that is discussed

Edited January 3, 2018 by payxibka

[Ontarkie 14,420]

What visa are you adjusting from? Once I know I can move this thread to the proper forum. 

[jle2234 68]

I did IR-1, not AOS, but I seriously doubt the issue will come up at your interview.

 

While my IR-1 application was being processed (not yet approved), I found out that I needed surgery. The wait in Canada would have been 6-8 months, but a surgeon in the U.S. could do the surgery in just two weeks... So I had the surgery done in the U.S., where my husband was living -- and where I now live.

 

The surgery never even came up during my interview. I disclosed my condition at my medical exam and the doctor advised me to have surgery ASAP... when I told him I had already had it, he was actually relieved. Nothing ever came up about how I paid for it. In fact, no one even asked me where I had the surgery done.

 

As far as medical reasons for denial, they are really only concerned with conditions that may pose a threat to the public (contagious illnesses, etc.). Your condition should not be a reason for denial. Furthermore, you are within your rights to receive funding from charities who serve that purpose. There is nothing to say that, had you not received such funding, you wouldn't have worked out a payment plan with the hospital or a third party creditor. Hospitals in the U.S. are private corporations, so I can't see financial transactions between you and them being a big concern to the government.

[Selenicereus56 1]

24 minutes ago, Ontarkie said:

What visa are you adjusting from? Once I know I can move this thread to the proper forum. 

K-1

[Ontarkie 14,420]

Thank you, I didn't want to assume

 

~~Moved to AOS Family K1/K3 from K1 P&P - As the OP is in the process of AOS'ing.~~