“Emergency” health insurance for (pregnant) green card holders?

[EC&IC 32]

I got my green card and entered the US last week. We are working on getting health coverage (technically, we applied for a healthcare sharing ministry), but it will take at least three weeks to become effective (it would start on May 1).

 

I just learned that I had a missed miscarriage, i.e., the baby has unfortunately died, but my body hasn't “realized” it. The OBGYN recommended a D&C if it doesn't pass naturally within a few days, and the hospital told me it would cost at least $8,000, up to $25,000 if there are complications (although there is a 30% discount for people who are uninsured).

 

I’m trying to see if there is any way I can get some kind of financial help with this procedure, I don't want to miss any program I didn't hear of. I called Medicaid, since they have a program called “Presumptive Eligibility For Pregnant Women”, but I don't qualify because of our income of the last year. They also have a program called Emergency Services for Non-Citizens, but you have to have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years. I will look into whether I am still covered by my (Canadian) provincial insurance plan, but I assume that since I am not traveling but rather moving here, I will not be covered. So I'm looking into US solutions.

 

Does anybody know of anything? Program, NGO, whatever?  I understand that we might have to pay, and that it's what happens when you make such big life changes, but I wouldn't want to just be ignorant of something useful. The stress of the move and the sad situation (this is my 4th miscarriage in a row) kind of mess with my ability to think straight.

 

Thank you.

Edited April 6, 2023 by EC&IC

[Lemonslice 4,796]

I'm sorry about the miscarriage, please take care of each other too...

 

 

"healthcare sharing ministry"

 

They're kind of a scam. 

https://youtu.be/oFetFqrVBNc

 

 

You might benefit from real insurance, look at the connector for your state.

 

I don't know enough to help with Medicaid.

 

Alternatively, if you prefer to move back home, you could look at how long you need to be in your province of origin to get covered again.  Mine is 3 months, in most circumstances.

Edited April 6, 2023 by Lemonslice

[EC&IC 32]

Thank you. I will look into that, I have only heard good things from members. I also called insurance companies, but I wouldn't be covered either, it would only become effective May 1 at the earliest, with no retroactive coverage. Only Medicaid could have helped pay past bills, if our income was low enough. (As freelancers, it varies a lot, but my husband had a better year last year...)

 

Thank you.

[Mike E 11,739]

Services at hospitals are over priced. Case in point, last year I had a CAT scan, and the hospotal billed over $10,000. I paid under $100, my insurer paid under $1000, and told the hospital that was all it was getting. 

 

Try an off-hospital clinic. MDsave.com quotes $5000

[Rocio0010 5,579]

I am so sorry that you're going through this. I am not sure what State you are in, but have you checked into university hospitals? I know it's not the same but when my root canal broke, I went to West Virginia University school of dentistry and not only were they cheaper than regular dentist, but also they took me in on a very short notice, and they were extra nice.

[Lemonslice 4,796]

3 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Services at hospitals are over priced. Case in point, last year I had a CAT scan, and the hospotal billed over $10,000. I paid under $100, my insurer paid under $1000, and told the hospital that was all it was getting. 

 

Try an off-hospital clinic. MDsave.com quotes $5000

Never heard of MDsave.com.  Thanks for sharing.  We are lucky to have incredible coverage, so I'm not aware of how to get discounts, but yeah... Reading the explanation of benefits statements, it all looks so fraudulent.  It's hard to believe that you can get care, and no one will tell you exactly what the cost will be (which, again, very luckily, does not matter in my situation, but I think I would need to see a doctor for the stress otherwise...)

[EC&IC 32]

10 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Services at hospitals are over priced. Case in point, last year I had a CAT scan, and the hospotal billed over $10,000. I paid under $100, my insurer paid under $1000, and told the hospital that was all it was getting. 

 

Try an off-hospital clinic. MDsave.com quotes $5000

Thank you! I'd never heard of that option. Although we're in the middle of nowhere, and the closest provider shown on that website is 350 miles away... But thanks for the idea, it's still a possibility.

 

3 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

I am so sorry that you're going through this. I am not sure what State you are in, but have you checked into university hospitals? I know it's not the same but when my root canal broke, I went to West Virginia University school of dentistry and not only were they cheaper than regular dentist, but also they took me in on a very short notice, and they were extra nice.

Thank you. We're in Wyoming, everything is far away, but I will look into this option as well!

Edited April 6, 2023 by EC&IC

[Mike E 11,739]

Just now, Lemonslice said:

Never heard of MDsave.com

I had not either until i googled for the cost of a d&c. I expect the price can be lower dealing directly with providers.

 

2 minutes ago, EC&IC said:

Thank you! I'd never heard of that option. Although we're in the middle of nowhere, and the closest provider shown on that website is 350 miles away... But thanks for the idea

Closer than Canada most likely.

 

I suggest start calling local off-hospital providers  it travel is an issue.

 

If you think you are no longer covered by your provincial plan (not sure why if that is the case; countless Canadian VJers post her about staying in Canada for a while after entering on their immigration visa. Surely they are covered) fly to Mexico or Thailand and get it done.

 

btw as a free lancer aka 1099 / self employed person, ACA insurance premiums are deductible against self employment income.

 

[Timona 4,207]

1 hour ago, Mike E said:

Services at hospitals are over priced. Case in point, last year I had a CAT scan, and the hospotal billed over $10,000. I paid under $100, my insurer paid under $1000, and told the hospital that was all it was getting. 

 

Try an off-hospital clinic. MDsave.com quotes $5000

 

US hospitals bill you for anything, even breathing in their premises. My dentist had, before I went abroad, already billed my insurance max and I had already footed $500 out of pocket, all within 2 months. She was then quoting another $800 to finally get it fixed.

 

Well, I was in Colombia and it costed $20. I even felt bad and paid the dentist $30 because he'd worked on me for 1.5 hours. 

 

[SteveInBostonI130 3,408]

1 hour ago, EC&IC said:

 I have only heard good things from members. I also called insurance companies, but I wouldn't be covered either, it would only become effective May 1 at the earliest, with no retroactive coverage. 

 

I have no comment to help your situation, unfortunately.

 

This is a comment about the healthcare sharing ministry:  I strongly suggest you to talk to members who needed coverage - hospital, emergency room, expensive treatment like cancer, etc.  I would also try to find previous members and ask them why they dropped the coverage.

 

Most people are fine with those organizations for routine things like annual visits and maybe a visit for a cold/flu.  There have been many reported cases of non-payment/non-coverage for high cost procedures and expenses.

 

Take care and I hope you can get the treatment you need soon.

Edited April 6, 2023 by SteveInBostonI130

[JeanneAdil 6,413]

so sorry for your loss

 

Hospitals and dr in emergency rooms HAVE TO treat u

 

BTW even if the baby passes thru,  dr may still want to do a DNC

[EC&IC 32]

2 hours ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

 

I have no comment to help your situation, unfortunately.

 

This is a comment about the healthcare sharing ministry:  I strongly suggest you to talk to members who needed coverage - hospital, emergency room, expensive treatment like cancer, etc.  I would also try to find previous members and ask them why they dropped the coverage.

 

Most people are fine with those organizations for routine things like annual visits and maybe a visit for a cold/flu.  There have been many reported cases of non-payment/non-coverage for high cost procedures and expenses.

 

Take care and I hope you can get the treatment you need soon.

Thank you. It all feels a bit overwhelming, this shopping for coverage during our current medical situation, but we'll take the time to investigate further, thanks for your input.

[mam521 2,024]

21 minutes ago, EC&IC said:

Thank you. It all feels a bit overwhelming, this shopping for coverage during our current medical situation, but we'll take the time to investigate further, thanks for your input.

So sorry about your loss.  Definitely not how you wanted to start your life in the US.  

 

As for shopping for insurance - find a good health insurance broker to do it for you.  It's a challenging field to navigate, as you're aware, and it's not worth the incessant robocalls when you inquire somewhere.  

 

The ministries aren't technically health insurance.  They are a cost sharing exercise where the members contribute or "gift" to a pool and expenses are paid through distribution of the fund.  When you head for medical care, you have to declare you are self pay and pay out of pocket.  You then submit to the Ministry.  Each incident is reviewed and you are "refunded" a portion of the cost.  Because it's not true insurance, they can deny 100% of a claim if they want to.  This is why it's worth it to heed @SteveInBostonI130's suggestion at reviewing people's experiences with high dollar costs.  Hubs broke his ankle a couple of years ago and insurance ended up being billed over $125,000.  I can't imagine having to pay that out of pocket and wait for a decision from the fund to repay that cost.  

[TBoneTX 45,023]

7 minutes ago, mam521 said:

it's not worth the incessant robocalls when you inquire somewhere

Outstanding, very true point.  Do not (do NOT!) dream of submitting a general Internet request for quotes.

[EC&IC 32]

Thanks everybody—I'm busy and can't reply individually, but I appreciate everyone's input, and we'll definitely research this healthcare sharing ministry concept more in depth. We've also contacted insurance brokers, but we're still waiting to hear from them. In any case, thank you all.