Health Insurance for Parents < 65 years of age

[ProbeGT 47]

For parents (of USCs) who recently immigrated, how does one go about obtaining health insurance?  In this case, the parent is not working, less than 65 years of age (50s)

1. From what I read, recent arrivals do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.  Can they get ACA subsidies?  I did search a little bit on healthcare.gov, but going on the healthcare.gov page and looking for plans simply points us to Medicaid since there is no income... What do we do?

2. Are ACA subsidies an issue regarding the "public charge" rule?  If it matters, the parent's initial I-130 was sent in Mid-2018 (I read something about the rules being different depending on when you were petitioned

3. Does tax status (being declared dependent vs independent) matter?

 

Any other insight would be appreciated!!!

Edited September 25, 2019 by ProbeGT
details

[purem4g1c 113]

you need 16k and up to 70k ish to get a subsidy i believe, zero income no subsidy

[databit 328]

Your only choices are to buy private insurance, or have them get a job that will pay them $16k per year. A part-time job can do this. Then they can get ACA .

[Unlockable 7,315]

Best options:

1. Have them work
2. Pay for insurance directly
3. Look into state sponsored insurance

Honestly, this is one of the most overlooked items when bringing over older parents. People do not understand how complicated and expensive health insurance in the US and get "sticker shock" when they look at insuring their parents. Plus, because the parents never previously paid into the system (which is where the money for things like Medicaid comes from) they don't qualify to use it. 

 

Keep researching. Look at state and local city websites for insurance options.

[ProbeGT 47]

So, just to be clear - ACA subsidies are not an issue regarding the public charge rule?

 

[ProbeGT 47]

I went on the state health department website (IL) and it just pointed me to Medicaid/CHIP.  It did, however, make it clear that if one is a GC holder, they should speak to a specialist to make sure they are not a public charge. 

[Highmystic 234]

1 hour ago, ProbeGT said:

I went on the state health department website (IL) and it just pointed me to Medicaid/CHIP.  It did, however, make it clear that if one is a GC holder, they should speak to a specialist to make sure they are not a public charge. 

Here is some info for healthcare for LPR's,  GC holders, etc...

 

https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/lawfully-present-immigrants/

[Highmystic 234]

18 minutes ago, Highmystic said:

Here is some info for healthcare for LPR's,  GC holders, etc...

 

https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/lawfully-present-immigrants/

Medicaid, CHIP, and “public charge” status

Applying for Medicaid or CHIP, or getting savings for health insurance costs in the Marketplace, doesn’t make someone a "public charge." This means it won’t affect their chances of becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident or U.S. citizen.

There’s one exception. People receiving long-term care in an institution at government expense may face barriers getting a green card.

[ProbeGT 47]

1 hour ago, Highmystic said:

Medicaid, CHIP, and “public charge” status

Applying for Medicaid or CHIP, or getting savings for health insurance costs in the Marketplace, doesn’t make someone a "public charge." This means it won’t affect their chances of becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident or U.S. citizen.

There’s one exception. People receiving long-term care in an institution at government expense may face barriers getting a green card.

Thanks. 

So I guess we should just apply (and get rejected, due to 5yr rule) and then see what options are available via the marketplace?

[Boiler 45,731]

You will most likely have to call them as it is unlikely the web site has been designed for this situation.

[ProbeGT 47]

7 minutes ago, Boiler said:

You will most likely have to call them as it is unlikely the web site has been designed for this situation.

Thanks.  Looks to be that way.

 

Does anyone know if being dependent vs independent tax wise makes a difference?  Appears so, but want to confirm.

[Boiler 45,731]

Tax you need to talk to your CPA. So many factors even if I was quite versed, which I am not, there may be specifics in your situation and only somebody aware of the total situation and a knowledge of tax law could sensibly comment.

 

I always wonder and never seemingly get a reply what the plan is. I could see it may be practical for somebody with younger Parents who have time to work and build up credits in the US system but otherwise unless you are very rich and it really does not matter, or very poor and have nothing to leave behind then moving to the US at an advanced age seems odd.

 

I have also noticed that posters tend to focus on the current situation, this year, maybe next. I assume when Parents move they anticipate living a lot longer and of course nobody can tell what the future holds. I suppose on the plus side you could have Medicare4All and it is not an issue, seems unlikely as no other Country has gone that way and all who have Universal benefits are looking to reduce costs.

 

Now if you are here well you are in the vast majority of cases stuck with whatever happens, but in these cases their is a choice.

 

So my suggestion would be to expect to work at least 10 years so at least you are in the same situation as USC's.

 

 

[D-R-J 192]

This topic may help: 

It’s about 65+ parents, but it ends up covering most of the same issues since they aren’t eligible for Medicare.

[yuna628 9,687]

Options:

 

Use the marketplace - they are older but it will be a little less fussy of a situation since they aren't 65+. However, they can't use Medicaid or Medicare. Subsidy is fine. You'll likely need to be speaking to a CPA for tax options or maybe adding the parents as dependents and talk to someone at the exchange. As far as public charge goes, using the exchange is still legal for immigrants to utilize as well as the subsidies. The new rules state that a greater positive weight will be given to those using private insurance, but does not prohibit the use of the exchange whatsoever.

 

The best and most simple option is to buy insurance for them privately from any insurer in the state they'll be residing. A lot less fuss here. Of course there is expense, but that is pretty much what the majority has to do anyway. Most will never qualify for a subsidy and immigrant parents make things more complex.

 

The last option is if they intend to work, they could certainly very easily use insurance provided via the workplace.

 

 

 

[Nitas_man 3,100]

We obtain health insurance by working.  So maybe work?