Bringing 81-Year-Old Mother To The US

[Damian P 92]

Afternoon all,

 

My word, how strange to be back posting on here for the first time in over 15 years! But here we are.

 

Right then, I've now been a naturalised citizen of Uncle Sam for 10 years, and I'm looking into bringing my elderly mother out here now so that that my wife and I can take care of her in her dotage. I know that as a US citizen I have the right to bring her over here, but the one huge stumbling block is the healthcare situation. I know that the ACA means that an 81=year-old can't be charged any more than a 64-year-old, but I'm going to take a wild guess here and suggest that the premiums, for what is probably a decidedly average healthcare plan, are still pretty outrageous?

 

Would love to hear from anyone who is or has been in a similar situation, and what you discovered.

 

Regards,

 

D 

[Boiler 44,684]

Have you considered moving to California?

 

Yes it is mainly a money issue, now if you have nothing and am coming from nothing that is one option. Or of you have Loads of Money that is another.

 

She is the middle.

 

Think of OCare as like Motor Insurance, you buy it annually so what next year will be is an unknown, well always up, it does not by any means cover everything, you can buy different levels at different premium points, there are tax credits but that of course depends on her situation.

 

Is she in good health, I know that is no guarantee  but a start, will she be leaving a support system, family and friends?

[Damian P 92]

She's just had a heart valve replacement, but other than that, she's fine. Will she be leaving a support system? Yes, of sorts, but she'd be moving to a better one here, hence the enquiry.

 

California?????????? LOL!! Fat chance!! No, we're in Ohio for life, I'm afraid. 

[JeanneAdil 6,398]

we bought a temp policy while MIL here as tourist

 

the low premiums (researching health care. gov) have huge deductibles / and i mean huge 

these insurance policies do not cover precriptions ,  eye care and dental (the 3 things elderly need)

my MIL monthly mediications were over $600 for her diabetes plus dr in US visit

 

Will she be needing cataract surgery like most elderly ?  MD save IMissouri)

 

On MDsave, the cost of a Cataract Removal Surgery ranges from $3,280 to $6,999. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save. Read more about how MDsave works.

 

Look up cost online of daily medications she may take

 

What we found out about moving to US was here we face allergies that other countries don't have

 

[JeanneAdil 6,398]

5 minutes ago, Damian P said:

She's just had a heart valve replacement, but other than that, she's fine. Will she be leaving a support system? Yes, of sorts, but she'd be moving to a better one here, hence the enquiry.

 

California?????????? LOL!! Fat chance!! No, we're in Ohio for life, I'm afraid. 

says Missouri

sorry i didn't  look up that state insurance plans

[Boiler 44,684]

Travel Insurance and Annual Medical Insurance are two different beasts.

 

I would certainly ask around to see which Doctors are taking on new OCare patients

 

What premiums will be in 2026 I have no idea. I would assume the options for cover will be the same.

[JeanneAdil 6,398]

12 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Travel Insurance and Annual Medical Insurance are two different beasts.

 

I would certainly ask around to see which Doctors are taking on new OCare patients

 

What premiums will be in 2026 I have no idea. I would assume the options for cover will be the same.

we had obama care as we thought to apply I 130

 

https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/shop-rates/ohio/

 

for 60 year old   from bronze  to platinum rates in ohio/  they don't show older that 60 as they assume medicare which she can't get for 5 years

Enrollee age 60

$579.01

$747.18

$940.95

$1131.38

[Boiler 44,684]

You would have needed to file to adjust to get OCare

 

Unlikely Medicare would ever be a good option. But then who knows what the future will bring.

[Damian P 92]

Yeah, these are pretty much the monthly figures I’d expected to see. And of course, the deductibles will be insanely high.

 

Much as I love living here, this is, and always has been, the huge downside. Every other developed nation in the world has universal healthcare, but hey, let’s not open THAT can of worms right now!

[Vickys_Mom 221]

2 hours ago, Damian P said:

> but I'm going to take a wild guess here and suggest that the premiums, for what is probably a decidedly average healthcare plan, are still pretty outrageous?

 

My mother in law is 71 years old, in good health, and has never lived anywhere else but in Indonesia.  She's not qualified for Medicare or Medicaid here in Nebraska.  The best offer I had under the ACA was about $700/month.  Some plans were quoted as high as $2,000 per month.

 

You can call the ACA and ask for an estimate in advance.  They can't commit to an amount until you actually apply, but at least they'll give you some idea.

 

If she plans to keep her citizenship, I'd almost suggest some sort of travel insurance that would provide for emergency health care and medical evacuation back to her country.  But with her already having had heart issues I'm guessing the cost is prohibitive either way.

 

Wrap her in bubble wrap?

 

Please keep us informed.  The more information we all have, the better off we'll be.

 

Regards,

Vicky's Mom

Edited July 21 by Vickys_Mom
"Please keep us informed."

[Boiler 44,684]

If she is going to immigrate travel insurance is not relevant.

 

And yes at that age you are looking at specialist travel insurers and it will cost.

 

Keep her Citizenship?

[powerpuff 6,435]

*** Thread moved from Bringing Family Members of Permanent Residents forum to Bringing Family Members of US citizens — OP is a USC ***

[SalishSea 17,365]

11 hours ago, Damian P said:

Afternoon all,

 

My word, how strange to be back posting on here for the first time in over 15 years! But here we are.

 

Right then, I've now been a naturalised citizen of Uncle Sam for 10 years, and I'm looking into bringing my elderly mother out here now so that that my wife and I can take care of her in her dotage. I know that as a US citizen I have the right to bring her over here, but the one huge stumbling block is the healthcare situation. I know that the ACA means that an 81=year-old can't be charged any more than a 64-year-old, but I'm going to take a wild guess here and suggest that the premiums, for what is probably a decidedly average healthcare plan, are still pretty outrageous?

 

Would love to hear from anyone who is or has been in a similar situation, and what you discovered.

 

Regards,

 

D 

Several thousand per month, all told.  

[SalishSea 17,365]

8 hours ago, Damian P said:

Yeah, these are pretty much the monthly figures I’d expected to see. And of course, the deductibles will be insanely high.

 

Much as I love living here, this is, and always has been, the huge downside. Every other developed nation in the world has universal healthcare, but hey, let’s not open THAT can of worms right now!

Really though?  If I moved to England at 81, would I have free access to a system that I hadn't paid into?  I certainly wouldn't expect to.

[appleblossom 1,811]

6 hours ago, SalishSea said:

Really though?  If I moved to England at 81, would I have free access to a system that I hadn't paid into?  I certainly wouldn't expect to.

Yes, you would. As @Damian P says the US is unusual when it comes to healthcare. A couple of Canadian provinces make you wait 3 months before you’re then covered (for free), but that’s the only wait I can think of. 

Edited July 22 by appleblossom