Insurance once in the US

[HannahAndLeslie 4]

Hannah moved over a month ago from England and we were married soon after. I have health insurance through my employer and now have Hannah signed up as well through the open enrollment but coverage doesn't start until January 2015. It's only 2 months away but what if she gets sick? Does anyone know of any cases where they would cover her bills if anything were to happen between now and January? 'Back coverage' of sorts?

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Hannah moved over a month ago from England and we were married soon after. I have health insurance through my employer and now have Hannah signed up as well through the open enrollment but coverage doesn't start until January 2015. It's only 2 months away but what if she gets sick? Does anyone know of any cases where they would cover her bills if anything were to happen between now and January? 'Back coverage' of sorts?

I believe they won't covered it. That's how it works for healthcare for military though, TRICARE.

[Novembro 1,763]

She won't be covered. You can call your county to see if there are any options available for her- if you're low-income or what have you. The county might be able to tell you if there are any assistance programs for the period of being uninsured. If she does need health care, you could look for clinics that work on a sliding-fee scale or clinics that might offer care at a low-cost to those that qualify. Otherwise, be careful!

Edited October 31, 2014 by Novembro

[Ryan H 3,790]

Moved from Off Topic to Moving to the US and Your New Life In America forum.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Hannah moved over a month ago from England and we were married soon after. I have health insurance through my employer and now have Hannah signed up as well through the open enrollment but coverage doesn't start until January 2015. It's only 2 months away but what if she gets sick? Does anyone know of any cases where they would cover her bills if anything were to happen between now and January? 'Back coverage' of sorts?

Talk to HR because "life events" like marriage or birth of a child usually provides immediate coverage (and immediate premium adjustments to your cost). She shouldn't have had to be in an open enrollment period for coverage beginning next calendar year.

[HannahAndLeslie 4]

Thanks guys!

[novedsac 355]

Talk to HR because "life events" like marriage or birth of a child usually provides immediate coverage (and immediate premium adjustments to your cost). She shouldn't have had to be in an open enrollment period for coverage beginning next calendar year.

This has to be done within a 30 day window from the qualifying event, but would be retroactive to the date of the qualifying event.

[d3adc0d3 186]

If it turns out that your wife doesn't qualify to get health insurance you can purchase traveler's health insurance. Just google "Travelers Health Insurance USA" and there will be several sites that offer them. I bought some for my husband whilst waiting for his SSN. It's not as good as regular comprehensive insurance, but it helps mitigate a lot of the costs and while something big might dent your pocket, you'll still have a pocket after all is said and done.