Family Based AOS granted.

[sasaqlain 24]

OK, here's a situation. I am sure many of you have been through it. My AOS just got approved. My Spouse being the US citizen sponsored me. At the time she had a job that covered the medical insurance. Since our child was born, she had to quit her job. Currently the income level is ZERO. I know she and the baby can get State insurance. But Can I apply for it? Would it effect my case when removing conditions if I apply for State insurance in NY, since an affidavit of Support is in force? Anybody has any idea?

Thank You.

Edited October 23, 2009 by saspk

[Chica Yeyé 41]

State Insurance is a means tested benefit; hence your wife would have to repay it -yours- to the state as part of her Affidavit of Support. you can work now, better off getting a job asap.

[sasaqlain 24]

Easier said than done. With more lay-off's in the offing, expecting to find a job that will give family health coverage is a distant dream. Anyways, what if My sponsor is looking for State insurance. Will that effect my case too. Her and my child should be eligible.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Moved from Removing Conditions forum as not related to ROC

[antda 13]

Hi Saspk,

Congrats on getting your AOS approved and about your new baby.

Sorry to hear about your situation. And yes, by all means possible, make sure you and your family get the healthcare needed, no matter what the cost, as it's not worth the risk not getting treatment there. I know it would be hard for you to get affordable medical insurance without citizenship, so that's understandable too. Regardless, if you are sick and it is an emergency, just go to any hospital emergency room, and they will be able to treat you there, regardless of lack of immigration status and/or financial situation. Just because you are waiting for immigration, doesn't mean you have to wait for your health!

As for your spouse and your baby who are US Citizens, they can apply for state medical insurance, as they are entitled to such, with no problems. And no, it does not affect your immigration case at all, as they are the ones receiving the benefits and they are not immigrants here and they do not have to pay anything back to the government for receiving such. Though you as the immigrant...that's another story...

As for state insurance/medicaid, it varies from to state to state, as to what they define as "means tested benefits" for immigrants. It's kind of contradictory in ways, where the federally-run USCIS says that medicaid is a benefit, while some states may say that it isn't. So do inquire with the specific state that you live in, as to what they say about such. As well, many states offer other low-cost healthcare options, which are not listed as means-tested benefits at all. For example, here in New York State, they have a program called family health plus, which is for low income families too and is not a means tested benefit. And yes, a sliding scale option is a good idea too, as you can at least pay for and get your healthcare at a reasonable rate that is best for you and your family financially. As well, worse case scenario, you can always ask for emergency medicaid, which is not a means tested benefit according the USCIS.

Believe me, know what you mean by all this, as I've faced a similar situation with my healthcare too. Feel free to pm me, if you want more info about medicaid and/or other low-cost healthcare options.

Sigh, why can't healthcare be affordable (and free perhaps) to all, regardless of immigration status, income, health condition, or anything else? Everyone deserves good quality and affordable healthcare treatment, right?....

Hope this helps. Good luck in choosing your healthcare options for you and your family and good luck with your immigration journey too.

Ant

OK, here's a situation. I am sure many of you have been through it. My AOS just got approved. My Spouse being the US citizen sponsored me. At the time she had a job that covered the medical insurance. Since our child was born, she had to quit her job. Currently the income level is ZERO. I know she and the baby can get State insurance. But Can I apply for it? Would it effect my case when removing conditions if I apply for State insurance in NY, since an affidavit of Support is in force? Anybody has any idea?

Thank You.

Edited October 26, 2009 by Ant+D+A