Healthcare for incoming family members

[Hvn 0]

Hi all,

After more than 10 years of waiting and a lot of obstacles, we're very excited to know that my aunt(50 yr old) & her children (25, 19) sponsored as F3 got their visas and are scheduled to arrive to California, US in mid-May.

Since none of them are fluent in English, they most likely won't be able to find jobs that provide health insurance for a while. In the meantime, what are the health insurance options for them? Do most people in similar situation usually just go to the community health center for low cost care?

Thanks

[jan22 3,056]

That "low cost care" is normally governmentally subsidized and is a "means tested" program (that is, you pay more or less based on your income). You aunt and her family will not qualify for any means-tested program for the first five years -- that's part of what the Affidavit of Support is for. The petitioner assumes the financial responsibility for them if they are unable to support themselves. The petitioner (your grandparents) would be on the hook to repay any means-tested benefits they receive, unless there was a co-sponsor. In that case, the co-sponsor would be responsible.

[Mark88 184]

Wouldn't Obamacare cover them if they apply?

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Wouldn't Obamacare cover them if they apply?

They can apply but the income of the sponsor is included in their income to determine their eligibility for the first 5 years.

[jan22 3,056]

Wouldn't Obamacare cover them if they apply?

It would -- but they would not qualify for the coverage that is means-tested. Obamacare has a variety of insurance programs.

[Boiler 45,662]

If they have no other options they would buy Insurance through the Exchange in whatever State they will reside in.