Health Insurance for new Immigrant

[belinda63 2,981]

Darnel, they asked for a copy of his green card and his social security card.

[yuna628 9,527]

Technically the individual does not have to wait until the November enrollment period if they are so qualified, as it is considered a special event. If the OP has their own personal insurance, it's to my understanding you are also eligible to add your spouse to it (at a cost of course) within 30 days of marriage. The Maryland Health Connection's language is a little ambiguous as it does imply that the person must be some form of LPR. However if you take a look at immigration status rules for the Healthcare.gov you'll notice that it includes Adjustment to an LPR status and even individuals with non-immigrant status. I should think an adjustment to LPR status would qualify alone if they haven't received a GC yet. If you have your own insurance call your insurance provider or at the very least call and ask either the federal exchange or the Maryland exchange. If MHC isn't aware of the adjustment to LPR status as a qualifying factor well.... they need to go back and recheck their own rules.

[Darnell 8,478]

Darnel, they asked for a copy of his green card and his social security card.

Belinda - visa in passport and the stamp given at POE is sufficient, really.

'they' usually get it wrong.

Edited October 26, 2014 by Darnell

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/documentation/

https://www.healthcare.gov/help/immigration-document-types/

Check out the above links for document requirements to be eligible.

[belinda63 2,981]

Usually Darnel but he came on a tourist visa

I believe the OPs family member has been here more than 30 days making the change in circumstances moot anyway.

[Ian H. 207]

It shouldn't matter when they entered the US with the tourist visa, the "qualifying event" happens when the person becomes an LPR, so that could be when you enter with an immigrant visa or when AOS is approved.

[belinda63 2,981]

You are correct Ian, but due to ignorance of the Kentucky ACA system it took months to determine he even qualified, they kept saying he didn't qualify because he had to be an LPR for five years, then they said because he was 65+ he didn't qualify, etc. We will sign him up now.

To address the OPs question he could have signed the person up within 30 days of arrival but that window has passed (arrived in June). Now they can sign up during open enrollment but the insurance will not start until January 1, 2015.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Open enrollement starts Nov 15th.

[Darnell 8,478]

Usually Darnel but he came on a tourist visa

I believe the OPs family member has been here more than 30 days making the change in circumstances moot anyway.

aha !

gadzooks !

sorry, all bets are off for a tourist visa holder - gotta have something in hand from USCIS proving up residency. Whaddya think, EAD sufficient ?

[sukhi4498 1]

Guys Plz help me out. I just call maryland health connection # regarding health insurance of my wife. They r saying one needs 2 b a resident of USA for 5 years to get subsidized health insurance. Is it true? As new enrollment will start from 19th and i can't add her name 2 my insurance. Thanks in advance.

[Boiler 43,419]

They are wrong.

[sukhi4498 1]

Thanks boiler but what r options for me if they say this thing again on 19th when enrollment will begin I m in quandary don't know what should I do

[yuna628 9,527]

LPRs only need to be residents of the US for five years to qualify for Medicaid or CHIP ONLY. LPRs and those applying for adjustment of status are eligible to buy into the exchange. The operator you spoke to is incorrect and needs to be further educated on what the federal statute says. Take a look here: https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/

Here is where the 5yr rule is mentioned for LPRs as it pertains to Medicaid:

Waiting periods for Medicaid & CHIP

In order to get Medicaid and CHIP coverage, most LPRs or green card holders have a 5-year waiting period. This means they must wait 5 years after receiving “qualified” immigration status before they can get Medicaid and CHIP. There are exceptions. LPRs who used to be refugees or asylees, for example, don’t have to wait 5 years. https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/lawfully-present-immigrants/

The operator you spoke to is a very confused individual and I would suggest to speak to someone higher up unless you can get one that actually knows what they are talking about.

[sukhi4498 1]

Thanks a lot yuna my wife came here in may 2014 she has been here for 5-6 months and has green card and social security . so do u think she will b eligible for enrollment thanks in advance

[yuna628 9,527]

Of course she can. Even the MD website says she qualifies as an LPR. As follows:

Can I still get coverage if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, people who are living in the United States legally can sign up for coverage through the Maryland Health Connection. The test is whether you are “lawfully present.” You are lawfully present if you fit into one of the following categories:

1. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR). You are a lawful permanent resident if you have permission to live and work in the United States. Applicants for LPR status may also qualify. https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/faqs/