Which type of health insurance do I need?

[Mojordan 39]

I'm having a little trouble understanding what type of health insurance I need to be on at this point in time.

 

I am the Beneficiary, from the UK. I entered the US on a K1 visa on 12/03/2017 and married my USC husband / Petitioner on 12/11/2017. We're currently still waiting on the marriage certificate to begin the AOS process.

 

Is it best to purchase some type of travel insurance now or to wait until I begin the AOS process (Will I have more options then?)

 

Thanks in advance. 

Edited December 13, 2017 by Mojordan

[janicecf 73]

13 minutes ago, Mojordan said:

I'm having a little trouble understanding what type of health insurance I need to be on at this point in time.

 

I am the Beneficiary, from the UK. I entered the US on a K1 visa on 12/03/2017 and married my USC husband / Petitioner on 12/11/2017. We're currently still waiting on the marriage certificate to begin the AOS process.

 

Is it best to purchase some type of travel insurance now or to wait until I begin the AOS process (Will I have more options then?)

 

Thanks in advance. 

Hi,

I'm not sure if this answers your questions, but just an insight.  

 

Are you trying to get your own health insurance or being with your husband's health insurance? 

You will need submit a copy of  the marriage certificate as proof, if your husband is planning to add you as his dependent on his insurance. If this is the case, your husband has 60 days from the date you guys got married to add you on his insurance. https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-life-event/

 

Good luck!  

[payxibka 10,044]

If you have the ability to jump on your spouses policy then I would recommend.  Usually a heckuva a lot cheaper than an individual policy

[yuna628 9,528]

32 minutes ago, Mojordan said:

I'm having a little trouble understanding what type of health insurance I need to be on at this point in time.

 

I am the Beneficiary, from the UK. I entered the US on a K1 visa on 12/03/2017 and married my USC husband / Petitioner on 12/11/2017. We're currently still waiting on the marriage certificate to begin the AOS process.

 

Is it best to purchase some type of travel insurance now or to wait until I begin the AOS process (Will I have more options then?)

 

Thanks in advance. 

Hi OP here are your options in the majority of them you'll likely need your marriage certificate to proceed:

 

 

All persons residing in the US must purchase insurance or pay a penalty in taxes - immigrants are no exception. Things you do not qualify for is Medicare and Medicaid.

 

1) Sign up for Obamacare - unfortunately you will likely miss the open enrollment window for this one, as it literally closes in a few days. However, based upon marriage, you will qualify for special enrollment. The problem is you haven't filed for AOS yet, and as dealing with Ocare is within government boundaries, they will need documentation from you - the earliest document would be your AOS NOA1, EAD, and or green card in that order. Since you would reside in California, you can also try the state exchange - which is something like California Care. Immigrants certainly qualify. Qualifying for a subsidy is not typical and based on the situation of the person.

 

2) Purchase any insurance privately that is available in your state. You certainly will also qualify. Majority of plans found privately can also be found on Ocare. The bonus is you can deal with the insurer directly and not have to wait around for documents.

 

3) Be added to your husband's insurance plan if he has one through work, or purchase a joint plan privately.

 

4) Wait until you are able to work and obtain a plan via your workplace. The penalty is far cheaper than a years worth of premiums. You can always pay out of pocket for any care you need if you can afford it, and there are cheaper options when you don't have insurance for basic care, like minute clinics.

 

Travel insurance, temporary insurance, and insurance marketed towards immigrants do not count -- the penalty will still apply as they are considered not federally compliant and coverage is subpar at best. You will not qualify for travel insurance - you are residing in the US, not visiting.

 

You do not need an SSN to obtain insurance, however you will find it a lot easier if you have it. Call around, speak to agents, and healthcare navigators. If you reach anyone that gives you conflicting info, says you need an SSN, or claims an immigrant cannot receive health insurance - demand a supervisor. It's all about what's the best plan for you and your family and what you can afford. There is very little that's affordable in health insurance these days. Expect to cough up the money.

Edited December 14, 2017 by yuna628

[Boiler 43,430]

2 hours ago, Mojordan said:

I'm having a little trouble understanding what type of health insurance I need to be on at this point in time.

 

I am the Beneficiary, from the UK. I entered the US on a K1 visa on 12/03/2017 and married my USC husband / Petitioner on 12/11/2017. We're currently still waiting on the marriage certificate to begin the AOS process.

 

Is it best to purchase some type of travel insurance now or to wait until I begin the AOS process (Will I have more options then?)

 

Thanks in advance. 

Do not travel until you have AP in hand.

[VandL 69]

On 13/12/2017 at 11:48 PM, Mojordan said:

I'm having a little trouble understanding what type of health insurance I need to be on at this point in time.

 

I am the Beneficiary, from the UK. I entered the US on a K1 visa on 12/03/2017 and married my USC husband / Petitioner on 12/11/2017. We're currently still waiting on the marriage certificate to begin the AOS process.

 

Is it best to purchase some type of travel insurance now or to wait until I begin the AOS process (Will I have more options then?)

 

Thanks in advance. 

Hey can I ask what you did? I travel in the morning... won't be marines for another week so unsure what to do with insurance. Once I marry I will be added to my husbands insurance but what do I do until then?