Moving to the US with prescription epilepsy drugs

[trixxi 8]

Hello,

 

I'm a Hungarian citizen and take a couple of different prescription drugs for epilepsy and in Hungary I don't have to pay anything for them since I have public insurance. But healthcare is very different in the US and I'm concerned about being able to pay for my medication. Does anyone know if I'd be able to sign up for insurance, or what type of visa do I need to apply for in order to be eligible for insurance (we're planning on possibly applying for K-1 with my boyfriend), or how does it even work?

Thanks in advance!

Edited October 14, 2021 by trixxi

[Boiler 45,467]

The important question is what type of visa you will be moving on, is this through work, marriage?

[trixxi 8]

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

The important question is what type of visa you will be moving on, is this through work, marriage?

Hi, thanks for the reply! We haven't started the process yet, we're just in the information gathering phase, but it would be through marriage.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

There have been posts with people having difficulties getting insurance without a social security number.

 

If you enter the US with a K1, you should try your best to get a SSN as soon as possible.  It is allowed, as long as you apply before you get married.  But some people had issues, with their information not available in the immigration verification database (I believe it's called SAVE).

 

You can get short term traveller's insurance until you get your healthplan sorted, but I am not sure if that covers prescriptions.

 

Probably the easiest way to pay for the medication is with a group discount program.  I actually use GoodRX, because it's cheaper than my insurance copay.

 

Google "GoodRX".   On the website, enter the medication in their lookup list and then select the US city you would most likely immigrate to.  The website will show you prices from nearby pharmacies with their group discount.

 

[Pinkrlion 2,716]

Once you get married, your husband can add you to his insurance.  In order to obtain prescriptions in the US, you have to have a US Medical Doctor prescribe them.  You most likely will have to pay fee for service until you get medical coverage.  GoodRx is a great prescription discount program.  However, like I said, you will need a US Doctor to prescribe your medications.  

 

Bring a copy of your medical records for the new US Medical Doctor to have.  

Edited October 14, 2021 by Pinkrlion

[Adventine 3,196]

It's probably wise to stock up on a few months' worth of medication before you leave your home country.

 

When researching temporary health insurance policies to bridge the gap between your home country insurance and getting US health insurance, be careful to read the fine print. Some policies specifically exclude immigration to the US, so you might waste money on a travel insurance policy that won't cover you.

Edited October 14, 2021 by Adventine

[millefleur 5,046]

**Moved from General Immigration-Related Discussion to Moving to the US and Your New Life In America**

[Georgia16 2,858]

I did this I have it too. 
I took one years worth of medication with me so I wouldn’t have to think of it the first year I was here. After we got married I was added to my husband’s insurance and the medication have not been expensive at all. 

[Mike E 11,739]

Since it is a K-1, you won’t be married when you enter the USA.  Some employer health plans will let you enroll without b marrying the employed partner proved both are living together.  This was our experience. 
 

[trixxi 8]

Thank you so much for the replies!

We'll just have to look into his healthcare provider's policies I guess. I'm going to stock up on medication for sure.

I looked up my meds on goodRX and the prices are not so bad in case we had to buy them for some reason.

[millefleur 5,046]

28 minutes ago, trixxi said:

I looked up my meds on goodRX and the prices are not so bad in case we had to buy them for some reason.

Just make sure you'll be able to see a doctor here in the US who can prescribe them. Without the rx, you won't be able to buy it. If you go through a period of being uninsured, you can look into community clinics and doctor's offices in your city/state who take people without insurance and offer sliding scale fees based on income.

 

Stocking up and bringing it with you is probably for the best just in case.

[Mike E 11,739]

15 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Just make sure you'll be able to see a doctor here in the US who can prescribe them. Without the rx, you won't be able to buy it. If you go through a period of being uninsured, you can look into community clinics and doctor's offices in your city/state who take people without insurance and offer sliding scale fees based on income.

 

Stocking up and bringing it with you is probably for the best just in case.

Agreed with the above and also suggest that as many medical records documenting OP’s condition should be brought over too, lest the prescribing  doctor wants to re-verify OP’s condition with expensive tests.  

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

Adding to the suggestion of stocking up at least a year's supply of your medications, check if any of them is considered a controlled/banned substance in the US and bring your doctor's prescription and diagnosis with you, for when you go through customs.

[Mike E 11,739]

Just now, Allaboutwaiting said:

Adding to the suggestion of stocking up at least a year's supply of your medications, check if any of them is considered a controlled/banned substance in the US and bring your doctor's prescription and diagnosis with you, for when you go through customs.

And declare them explicitly since the blue form and the kiosks don’t ask. 

[trixxi 8]

On 10/15/2021 at 8:50 PM, Mike E said:

And declare them explicitly since the blue form and the kiosks don’t ask. 

I have a note from my doctor that says that I have epilepsy and lists all my medication. Would that be enough? I visited the US once before and nobody asked me about my medication, so I'm not sure if the note that I had was acceptable haha