Awaiting AoS, in Need of Hospital Visit

[BearAndKoala 16]

Hello again!

 

My now wife has been suffering from chronic vertigo and pain in her right ear, often accompanied with slight hearing loss, for a few weeks now. I want to make her an appointment with a doctor to check her out, as she's now on my workplace medical insurance as my dependent.

 

The potential issue is, we still don't have her Green Card. We're waiting on her Adjustment of Status, but so far we only have a receipt that they've gotten it. I don't want her to get in any trouble, but I need to make sure she's okay. What do I do?

[Mike E 11,739]

6 minutes ago, BearAndKoala said:

I want to make her an appointment with a doctor to check her out, as she's now on my workplace medical insurance as my dependent.

Is that a typo?

Quote

 

The potential issue is, we still don't have her Green Card. We're waiting on her Adjustment of Status, but so far we only have a receipt that they've gotten it. I don't want her to get in any trouble, but I need to make sure she's okay. What do I do?

If she is on your insurance take her to a doctor. 
 

If she is not on your insurance, take her a doctor. 
 

Either way you won’t get into trouble. You don’t have to be an LPR or citizen to see a doctor. You just need money. 

Edited January 11, 2023 by Mike E

[Boiler 45,445]

Not seeing the connection between her medical needs and immigration status

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Your New Life In America forum -- OP's wife is done with the K1 visa process ***

 

[Lemonslice 4,831]

Do not disclose your/her immigration status unless required. It's not required for a medical exam. 

[SalishSea 17,801]

1 hour ago, BearAndKoala said:

Hello again!

 

My now wife has been suffering from chronic vertigo and pain in her right ear, often accompanied with slight hearing loss, for a few weeks now. I want to make her an appointment with a doctor to check her out, as she's now on my workplace medical insurance as my dependent.

 

The potential issue is, we still don't have her Green Card. We're waiting on her Adjustment of Status, but so far we only have a receipt that they've gotten it. I don't want her to get in any trouble, but I need to make sure she's okay. What do I do?

Like others have said, a person’s immigration status is not part of info gathered for a provider visit.   
 

It sounds like BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), which is very common and self-limiting (resolves spontaneously).  
 

Until you can get an appointment, you could try treating it with OTC motion-sickness medication (Dramamine).   A doctor would likely give her an Rx for a similar drug called meclizine.   Dramamine causes drowsiness similar to Benadryl though, so she shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machinery etc.

 

Good luck!   I’ve had BPPV.  It is extremely common.   It’s annoying, but it does go away eventually.

[BearAndKoala 16]

2 hours ago, Lemonslice said:

Do not disclose your/her immigration status unless required. It's not required for a medical exam. 

I know she's not out of status because we applied before the date on the I-94 passed, but I'm always nervous about these things. One thing goes wrong and it's months of hell to go through.

[Chancy 6,241]

6 minutes ago, BearAndKoala said:

I know she's not out of status because we applied before the date on the I-94 passed

 

Technically, your wife is out of status, now that her I-94 has expired.  But with a pending I-485, she is authorized to stay, even if she is out of status.  Just make sure she carries a copy of her I-485 receipt notice whenever she leaves the house.

 

[Mike E 11,739]

All doctors want is your money. 
 

My wife had between 5-10 appointments and one surgery. Probably generated $20K+ in billings. 

[Lemonslice 4,831]

36 minutes ago, BearAndKoala said:

I know she's not out of status because we applied before the date on the I-94 passed, but I'm always nervous about these things. One thing goes wrong and it's months of hell to go through.

Still a good habit to not disclose immigration status, SSN, and other personal details unless required. 

For example, have her study the i-9 instructions, and provide other documents than her green card when she gets hired. 

Edited January 12, 2023 by Lemonslice

[discoverusa 258]

Undocumented visit emergency rooms every day and state pays for it. Go figure. 

[TBoneTX 45,259]

Let's please limit observations to the OP's issue.  Thanks.

[Lil bear 4,181]

8 hours ago, BearAndKoala said:

Hello again!

 

My now wife has been suffering from chronic vertigo and pain in her right ear, often accompanied with slight hearing loss, for a few weeks now. I want to make her an appointment with a doctor to check her out, as she's now on my workplace medical insurance as my dependent.

 

The potential issue is, we still don't have her Green Card. We're waiting on her Adjustment of Status, but so far we only have a receipt that they've gotten it. I don't want her to get in any trouble, but I need to make sure she's okay. What do I do?

Take her to the Dr.
 

If she is on your insurance then her insurance card and her passport for ID are all thats needed. 

If she is uninsured then she just needs her passport for ID and you negotiate payment for services.  

[Lil bear 4,181]

4 hours ago, BearAndKoala said:

I know she's not out of status because we applied before the date on the I-94 passed, but I'm always nervous about these things. One thing goes wrong and it's months of hell to go through.

Status has nothing to do with it. SSN are often used as identifiers .. but not necessary. Birthdate is fine 

[TBoneTX 45,259]

Unsure where in the country you are, but here in Texas, we have a few medical clinics that target the Hispanic community, doubtlessly including the undocumented.  Office visits are $35 (office procedures are more but probably reasonable).  Enough English is spoken, or enough staff can be called in to interpret, that communication is adequate.  See what's in your area or within range.

 

Your County Health Department might also have clinics, for walk-in or scheduled visits.

Edited January 12, 2023 by TBoneTX