Aos-health insurance

[jaysaldi 213]

2 hours ago, Kerri and Myles said:

• no health insurance for personal reasons

I can think of few good personal reasons for this. 

[Zach2015 211]

I’m confused on why it’s being stated they can’t ask us that question, if you filed before the deadline. That was one of the officer’s first question. So do you have health insurance? We said yes and showed proof of medical and dental. Is it your advice for people to argue with the officer on the legality of that question being asked? 
not trying to argue, I’m just confused. Not sure it matters, but my office is in Florida and they were already asking. 

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

1 hour ago, Zach2015 said:

I’m confused on why it’s being stated they can’t ask us that question, if you filed before the deadline. That was one of the officer’s first question. So do you have health insurance? We said yes and showed proof of medical and dental. Is it your advice for people to argue with the officer on the legality of that question being asked? 
not trying to argue, I’m just confused. Not sure it matters, but my office is in Florida and they were already asking. 

I don’t think people are saying the question can’t be asked. It just was not part of the forms they filed for AOS- so they aren’t as concerned as those that will file now. (( I’m not saying they shouldn’t be concerned but that’s the vibe I get. As always it’s a totality of the persons circumstances))

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

10 hours ago, Cndn said:

I was unaware it was possible to buy from private insurers? I’m assuming you don’t get tax credits unless you use the exchange? 

Yeah you can get health insurance any time. Just call BCBS or any other insurance and sign up. I mean of course there is more to it but you can buy anytime. You just don’t get those discounted plans that are only available during open enrollment (or qualifying life event). There’s no excuse for those who don’t have insurance because they “missed the open enrollment period”- you can always obtain.

[Cndn 98]

3 hours ago, Luckycuds said:

Yeah you can get health insurance any time. Just call BCBS or any other insurance and sign up. I mean of course there is more to it but you can buy anytime. You just don’t get those discounted plans that are only available during open enrollment (or qualifying life event). There’s no excuse for those who don’t have insurance because they “missed the open enrollment period”- you can always obtain.

I just went on to this site, typed my zip code and two things came up that service my state: premera and regence. Neither were offering health care plans right now outside of open enrolment unless you had a qualifying life event. 
 

Are you quite sure that what you just said is correct? I have yet to see a health plan you can buy outside of open enrolment down here, including the one you just referenced. I have health insurance so this is a non issue for me, but I feel for those who come from another country and don’t because not everyone is aware there is only such a limited amount of time during the year where health insurance is easily accessible. I’ve heard lots of people on here say you can buy a “private plan” but I’ll believe it when I see it and I still haven’t. 

[beloved_dingo 1,976]

https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/your-options/

 

"For most people, the deadline to enroll in or change a 2020 health insurance plan has passed. But you may still be able to enroll for 2020 two ways: with a Special Enrollment Period or through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)." So yes, nearly everyone has to either get insurance through open enrollment or during a special enrollment period. 

 

https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/

Life events that qualify:

 

Changes in household

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household in the past 60 days:

1. Got married. Pick a plan by the last day of the month and your coverage can start the first day of the next month.

2. Had a baby, adopted a child, or placed a child for foster care. Your coverage can start the day of the event — even if you enroll in the plan up to 60 days afterward.

3. Got divorced or legally separated and lost health insurance. Note: Divorce or legal separation without losing coverage doesn’t qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

4. Died. You’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period if someone on your Marketplace plan dies and as a result you’re no longer eligible for your current health plan.

Changes in residence

Household moves that qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period:

1. Moving to a new home in a new ZIP code or county

2. Moving to the U.S. from a foreign country or United States territory

3. If you're a student, moving to or from the place you attend school

4. If you're a seasonal worker, moving to or from the place you both live and work

5. Moving to or from a shelter or other transitional housing

Note: Moving only for medical treatment or staying somewhere for vacation doesn’t qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Important: You must confirm you had qualifying health coverage for one or more days during the 60 days before your move. You don't need to provide confirmation if you’re moving from a foreign country or U.S. territory.

Loss of health insurance

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days.

 

Edited February 25, 2020 by beloved_dingo

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

57 minutes ago, Cndn said:

I just went on to this site, typed my zip code and two things came up that service my state: premera and regence. Neither were offering health care plans right now outside of open enrolment unless you had a qualifying life event. 
 

Are you quite sure that what you just said is correct? I have yet to see a health plan you can buy outside of open enrolment down here, including the one you just referenced. I have health insurance so this is a non issue for me, but I feel for those who come from another country and don’t because not everyone is aware there is only such a limited amount of time during the year where health insurance is easily accessible. I’ve heard lots of people on here say you can buy a “private plan” but I’ll believe it when I see it and I still haven’t. 

Thank you! I was wrong. 
 

 It does look like you can only get coverage during the open enrollment period or qualifying life event (30 or 60 days depending on plan/state) the only other option it appears would be enrolling in a short term medical plan that are up to 1 year - good for catastrophic and emergencies- but can have limitations such as no pre-existing conditions. This would cover someone theoretically until the next open enrollment and possibly satisfy the AOS question of coverage.

[Alonso Ramirez 32]

A lot of people giving their opinions instead of answering the question. 

 

You don't need to be in your wife's insurance plan, there are plenty of other ways to show it's a bonafide marriage. 

 

The focus on public charge has changed and it weighs more now than before. Just get a health insurance plan. There are some that are as cheap as a dollar a month depending on your city/state. 

 

Done deal. Good luck! 

[Alonso Ramirez 32]

21 hours ago, AMB said:

So what should i do

 

can can we get a shared health insurance 

advise me plz

She cannot add you to her plan, as medicare/medicaid is done on the individual basis depending on age, health status, and income. The only way you and your wife can share health insurance is if you guys get a completely new plan together. Keep in mind that if you do this, she might be dropped from her current medicaid plan (depending on the state rules).

The health insurance exchange is a program created by the government where they subsidize part of your insurance plan if you sign up through their "exchange". This is NOT an option for you because the deadline has passed.

 

Google a "health insurance broker" near your area, tell them your situation, and they'll help you find the right health insurance for you (and your wife if you want). 

 

As far as the health insurance as a public charge situation, this has always been the case. The only difference after February 24th is that now they will ask during the interview and will put more emphasis on it. The 2/24 date is the date they will start asking, however, they can ask you about it regardless of when you applied, so be prepared for it. 
 

[yuna628 9,676]

15 hours ago, Cndn said:

I was unaware it was possible to buy from private insurers? I’m assuming you don’t get tax credits unless you use the exchange? 

You can and it always has been. And no you won't receive tax credits, but people rarely do on the exchange. Not all insurers will be available outside of the open enrollment period and not using the exchange. The government has a small page talking about such plans https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment/

 

The only way you can obtain a plan on the exchange outside of open enrollment is if you have an SQLE for special enrollment. But there are plans out there, unless the market in the state is generally far too small and the exchange has taken over everything, that can be obtained privately outside of open enrollment. https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment/ This can be private or term plans that are ACA compliant and some temporary or term plans that are not ACA compliant. An insurance broker can assist. In the OP's case they have certainly waited far too long (now that's confirmed)so their options are limited, but they still have options if they are willing to pay for them.

[Cndn 98]

25 minutes ago, yuna628 said:

You can and it always has been. And no you won't receive tax credits, but people rarely do on the exchange. Not all insurers will be available outside of the open enrollment period and not using the exchange. The government has a small page talking about such plans https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment/

 

The only way you can obtain a plan on the exchange outside of open enrollment is if you have an SQLE for special enrollment. But there are plans out there, unless the market in the state is generally far too small and the exchange has taken over everything, that can be obtained privately outside of open enrollment. https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment/ This can be private or term plans that are ACA compliant and some temporary or term plans that are not ACA compliant. An insurance broker can assist. In the OP's case they have certainly waited far too long (now that's confirmed)so their options are limited, but they still have options if they are willing to pay for them.

Yes, I’ve heard this before. There are some plans apparently that are private and can be purchased outside of open enrolment. However, it seems you have to go on a real hunt for these mythical plans. I’ve never actually found a health care plan that is available for purchase outside of open enrolment. If you can find me an example of one I’ll happily admit to being wrong. Until then as far as I’m concerned you either make open enrolment, your special qualifying period or game over until the next year. I want people to understand how difficult it is to be a new immigrant in a country navigating the convoluted US health care system, and to stop saying things like “there are no excuses”. Actually, there are plenty. I was shocked to learn that there were only 6 weeks out of the entire year you could purchase health insurance when I got here. That’s only been in place for a couple years so my husband didn’t even know about open enrolment. 
 

I would like to see USCIS offer new immigrants a pamphlet (like they do about domestic violence) on health care advising that they qualify to shop health care when they first get to the US but need to act fast. 

[yuna628 9,676]

37 minutes ago, Cndn said:

Yes, I’ve heard this before. There are some plans apparently that are private and can be purchased outside of open enrolment. However, it seems you have to go on a real hunt for these mythical plans. I’ve never actually found a health care plan that is available for purchase outside of open enrolment. If you can find me an example of one I’ll happily admit to being wrong. Until then as far as I’m concerned you either make open enrolment, your special qualifying period or game over until the next year. I want people to understand how difficult it is to be a new immigrant in a country navigating the convoluted US health care system, and to stop saying things like “there are no excuses”. Actually, there are plenty. I was shocked to learn that there were only 6 weeks out of the entire year you could purchase health insurance when I got here. That’s only been in place for a couple years so my husband didn’t even know about open enrolment. 
 

I would like to see USCIS offer new immigrants a pamphlet (like they do about domestic violence) on health care advising that they qualify to shop health care when they first get to the US but need to act fast. 

Well, from experience, I certainly purchased a plan directly from BCBS back in the day. I went directly to them, because the less government involvement in one's life, the better Might not (or it may) be around now, but it worked for us, bilking us for every penny until we navigated onto my husband's work plan. 

 

As ehealthinsurance says, it varies from state to state, but I'd think they'd be able to have a broker assist with even a term plan to hold one over for the purposes the OP is looking for. https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/affordable-care-act/health-insurance-outside-open-enrollment-obamacare They had several plans available in my area for both options. There are many of these sites and plans available.

 

Health insurance is something i'm asked about a lot on these forums over the years, and I certainly understand it is very difficult for any immigrant to navigate any system in a new country. But it is my opinion that it is the USC's responsibility to make these things clear and plan for their spouse's well-being before they arrive. It is part of the agreement we make with the government to provide for their care, and it's one I and others certainly take seriously. In this, there is no excuses. If you are old enough to make two big decisions in your life - marry and enter into a contract with the government to upend your immigrant spouse's entire life, then you better bet you should be learning about what you need to do, and do what you need to do. With the administration's changes to the law and new emphasis on self-sufficiency it is especially critical.

 

I don't see a pamphlet making one bit of a difference, especially considering this administration cares little for the ACA as it is. DV pamphlets don't seem to make much of an impact on people getting themselves into a ton of risky relationships that we see here on VJ all the time. There is plenty of information out there about health insurance and the rules of availability - it requires a phone call or a google search, or asking questions. Personal responsibility is a big thing to me. That may seem harsh to some, but I find it reasonable - if you love someone then you do all you can to protect them. Hundreds of couples come to VJ regarding health insurance situations that are tricky and that they were caught off guard about every year. We do our best to provide advice, but sometimes the couple has waited far too long. Sometimes for good reasons, and sometimes from negligence. Therefore we can only give the next best advice. What's been offered isn't the best they can do, but it's all they've got for now.

Edited February 25, 2020 by yuna628

[Cndn 98]

28 minutes ago, yuna628 said:

Well, from experience, I certainly purchased a plan directly from BCBS back in the day. I went directly to them, because the less government involvement in one's life, the better Might not (or it may) be around now, but it worked for us, bilking us for every penny until we navigated onto my husband's work plan. 

 

As ehealthinsurance says, it varies from state to state, but I'd think they'd be able to have a broker assist with even a term plan to hold one over for the purposes the OP is looking for. https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/affordable-care-act/health-insurance-outside-open-enrollment-obamacare They had several plans available in my area for both options. There are many of these sites and plans available.

 

Health insurance is something i'm asked about a lot on these forums over the years, and I certainly understand it is very difficult for any immigrant to navigate any system in a new country. But it is my opinion that it is the USC's responsibility to make these things clear and plan for their spouse's well-being before they arrive. It is part of the agreement we make with the government to provide for their care, and it's one I and others certainly take seriously. In this, there is no excuses. If you are old enough to make two big decisions in your life - marry and enter into a contract with the government to upend your immigrant spouse's entire life, then you better bet you should be learning about what you need to do, and do what you need to do. With the administration's changes to the law and new emphasis on self-sufficiency it is especially critical.

 

I don't see a pamphlet making one bit of a difference, especially considering this administration cares little for the ACA as it is. DV pamphlets don't seem to make much of an impact on people getting themselves into a ton of risky relationships that we see here on VJ all the time. There is plenty of information out there about health insurance and the rules of availability - it requires a phone call or a google search, or asking questions. Personal responsibility is a big thing to me. That may seem harsh to some, but I find it reasonable - if you love someone then you do all you can to protect them. Hundreds of couples come to VJ regarding health insurance situations that are tricky and that they were caught off guard about every year. We do our best to provide advice, but sometimes the couple has waited far too long. Sometimes for good reasons, and sometimes from negligence. Therefore we can only give the next best advice. What's been offered isn't the best they can do, but it's all they've got for now.

We’ll have to agree to disagree on this one but thank you for your response  

[K + M 47]

22 hours ago, jaysaldi said:

I can think of few good personal reasons for this. 

We are looking around, and trying to find coverage prices that aren't astronomical in price.  Health insurance isn't needed for proof of bona fide marriage/ or to help against public charge if application is dated prior to public charge final rule date.   

 

We are shopping around on the open market and trying to find the best thing possible.

[geowrian 22,337]

12 minutes ago, Kerri and Myles said:

or to help against public charge

Disagree. It has always been part of the consideration.