Health Ins for Elderly parents

[Yahdie 1]

My parents just got their greencards and they are here in the U.S.    I have been trying to find affordable health insurance for them.   I believe that they are eligible for subsidies through Obamacare.  However I heard that accepting these subsidies could lead to them being denied Citizenship.

 

Are there any other options for them to get medical care or insurance?.  The quote that i received for Obamacare (with no subsidy) was pretty expensive.

[millefleur 5,047]

9 minutes ago, Yahdie said:

However I heard that accepting these subsidies could lead to them being denied Citizenship.

This is not true. The only thing that can affect citizenship at this point in time is taking "public charge" related benefits, such as Medicaid/care. Obamacare plans are not considered "public charge" and LPR's qualify for them.

[Visitor User 253]

ACA/Obamacare is not considered public benefit. There were news about it and it was just a proposal.

[Yahdie 1]

3 minutes ago, millefleur said:

This is not true. The only thing that can affect citizenship at this point in time is taking "public charge" related benefits, such as Medicaid/care. Obamacare plans are not considered "public charge" and LPR's qualify for them.

That's what I thought too, and then my sister sent me this article.  I would be happy to be wrong, I just really don't want to mess up their chance of getting citizenship

 

http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-trump-legal-immigration-obamacare-health.html?AMP

 

"The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to propose a rule that would deter legal immigrants from using government services. The rule, according to leaked drafts of it, would make it harder for legal immigrants to become citizens or get green cards if they have ever used a wide range of public welfare, including Medicaid, food stamps, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and subsidies to buy health insurance. "

 

[Yahdie 1]

2 minutes ago, Visitor User said:

ACA/Obamacare is not considered public benefit. There were news about it and it was just a proposal.

I agree.  My sister spoke with an attorney, who told her that *if*  they were asked if they accepted public funds (or something to that effect) at their hearing, they  would want to be able to answer that with a "no",  so it would be better for them to not accept the subsidy

[Visitor User 253]

Only trust news from DHS/USCIS. 

[millefleur 5,047]

3 minutes ago, Yahdie said:

That's what I thought too, and then my sister sent me this article.  I would be happy to be wrong, I just really don't want to mess up their chance of getting citizenship

 

http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-trump-legal-immigration-obamacare-health.html?AMP

 

"The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to propose a rule that would deter legal immigrants from using government services. The rule, according to leaked drafts of it, would make it harder for legal immigrants to become citizens or get green cards if they have ever used a wide range of public welfare, including Medicaid, food stamps, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and subsidies to buy health insurance. "

 

The key word is "reportedly preparing"....it means nothing yet until it passes Congress.

 

I work at a non-profit in the social services sector and we literally had an hour long meeting about this at my job. A woman from the local state government came in and did a presentation about what is a "public charge" and what is not; her point was that immigrants are living in fear about what they can and cannot apply for. As of right now, Obamacare tax credits have no affect on immigration status or citizenship eligibility.

Edited March 8, 2019 by millefleur

[USS_Voyager 1,972]

My father-in-law was on Obamacare since the first year after it became law until he became a US citizen last year. No issues anywhere. 

[Boiler 46,086]

No such thing as affordable health care.

 

How old they are and in what State can impact.

 

If you are looking at Medicare then they can buy in after 5 years, $400 or so plus supplements.

 

Otherwise I would hit your local Exchange.

[Visitor User 253]

I do know that in Harris County offers the Gold Card which is low cost health care. Check your county.

[Umka36 781]

Getting ACA coverage is not the issue, it's whether one qualifies for the subsidy (need to check with your State/exchange rep for more information). It's important to look at medical coverage prior to bringing someone here, makes life so much easier. ACA coverage won't affect citizenship, but who knows how long it will last as it needs folks paying into it to be sustainable.

 

Buying Medicare after 5 years resident currently cost $572.50/month for parts A&B.

 

https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/medicare-costs-at-a-glance

[Boiler 46,086]

The biggest issue I see is people seem to focus on what the situation is where they are this year, you would think sponsoring Parents would need a longer term view.

[Yahdie 1]

6 minutes ago, Boiler said:

The biggest issue I see is people seem to focus on what the situation is where they are this year, you would think sponsoring Parents would need a longer term view.

What do you mean?

 

 

[Yahdie 1]

24 minutes ago, Umka36 said:

Getting ACA coverage is not the issue, it's whether one qualifies for the subsidy (need to check with your State/exchange rep for more information). It's important to look at medical coverage prior to bringing someone here, makes life so much easier. ACA coverage won't affect citizenship, but who knows how long it will last as it needs folks paying into it to be sustainable.

 

Buying Medicare after 5 years resident currently cost $572.50/month for parts A&B.

 

https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/medicare-costs-at-a-glance

Yes we are aware of the Medicaid option when they become citizens. 

 

We are hesitating with regard to the subsidies because a lawyer that we consulted was very cautious in his response to us with regard to acceptance of this subsidy affecting ability to get citizenship in the future 

[Boiler 46,086]

2 minutes ago, Yahdie said:

What do you mean?

 

I assume when someone sponsors Parents they are looking for them to come, stay and live with them for a long time.

 

So the issues to be considered are long term, Heath provision is one of the more obvious factors as Parents will be older, many times they will not be able to obtain benefits USC's will have through working here and accruing benefits.

 

So what they can say get is 2019 is certainly an issue but you really need to look long term.