Health Insurance for Immigrating Spouse

[miha25 20]

Does anyone know the process for obtaining health insurance in the US for an incoming spouse given the lack of ITIN or SS number? With the cost of healthcare in the US, I don't want my partner stepping foot in the US without coverage. Either an ITIN or SS number are necessary to sign up for coverage, but is the SS number generated immediately at the consular interview? If you've obtained health insurance for your incoming spouse, will you share how you handled this prior to them entering the country?

[nastra30 2,295]

7 minutes ago, miha25 said:

Does anyone know the process for obtaining health insurance in the US for an incoming spouse given the lack of ITIN or SS number? - Without SSN some employers may allow you to add them to your policy and give you a grace period to supply SSN. But you'll have to call them.

 

With the cost of healthcare in the US, I don't want my partner stepping foot in the US without coverage. Either an ITIN or SS number are necessary to sign up for coverage, but is the SS number generated immediately at the consular interview? - No, SSN is generated when immigrant arrives in the US. Usually received 2+ weeks after arrival. If not received by 4 weeks you may go to your local SSA office to follow up.

 

 

[miha25 20]

Thanks so much for responding. I'm self-employed, though, so have to buy from the marketplace. On your urging, I'll give them a call (in Connecticut it's handled by the state), to see what they say. I'll post here again if anyone is in the same position.

[JeanneAdil 6,578]

To get a Social Security number (SSN) as an immigrant, you can: 

 

• Apply for your SSN when you apply for your visa 
  ds 260
• Visit a local Social Security office or Card Center 
  appointment needed
• Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) 
  you can get the form online
• Provide documents that prove your identity and work-authorized immigration status 

    Passport with valid spouse visa and stamped I 551 will suffice /that is photo ID,,  proof of legal status in US,        and all they need.   1 SS officer told me i  needed marriage certificate and i asked to see supervisor who 

    checked the system and said "ours was in the system"  and marriage certificate wasn't needed

 

 

[pushbrk 12,991]

It's quite possible you may not be able to purchase full insurance right away, but you can soon after.  But, you CAN purchase travel insurance that will cover the needs you are concerned about.

[oldgreg 6]

We had open enrollment and I called and inquired about signing my wife up. I figured I had to get her insurance during this period but I was wrong. They said when she gets here, call them and they will be able to add her to my policy. Saves me from paying for her for a few months.

[pushbrk 12,991]

1 minute ago, oldgreg said:

We had open enrollment and I called and inquired about signing my wife up. I figured I had to get her insurance during this period but I was wrong. They said when she gets here, call them and they will be able to add her to my policy. Saves me from paying for her for a few months.

Correct procedure, but some will  not add without a SS number.  Call and explain and see what they say.  Temporary solution, if needed, is travel insurance.