Getting Insurance; Is Obamacare okay?

[Tee and Megan 10]

Hi all,

I'm going to be the first to admit, I don't know much about insurance. I know we're not allowed to apply for any government programs under the constraints of the Affidavit of Support, so I am wondering if we can take part in the health care exchange on November 15?

Does anyone else have any advice for where to get insurance for our recently immigrated loved ones?

Thanks so much!

[Cheryl-Hossein 25]

It's mandatory for US Citizens to have health care insurance (or pay the penalty). The rule about no government benefits only applies to the immigrant, not the US Citizen. That being said, with a quick search, it seems LPRs and Greencard holders must also have health insurance and can be covered under the Affordable Care Act.

Check out this link:

http://www.visitorscoverage.com/obamacare-for-green-card-holders/

[yuna628 9,528]

Obamacare isn't like a national health service per say, where you are on a government program that is providing you a benefit. It simply means all citizens must purchase health insurance or pay a 'penalty' leveed via taxes. You aren't using a government program or a fund. Immigrants and becoming a spouse qualifies you under a life-changing event (you are also eligible to sign up before the November enrolment period because you are under a qualifying event). You can call the federal exchange and see how you will qualify. If the USC spouse has health insurance, it is very possible they would be able to add the immigrant spouse to their coverage. However since the state in question is Illinois, you will have to look at your State exchange. Try giving them a call for starters. https://getcoveredillinois.gov/

Here you can see the federal standard addressing immigration and the ACA. https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/ As you can see a waiting period of five years is only applied to those LPRs that are in need of Medicaid or CHIP and not to those who are perfectly eligible to seek insurance through their state or federal exchanges. According to the federal standard LPRs and even those within adjustment of status to an LPR are eligible.

Edited November 12, 2014 by yuna628

[LORIEandPHIL 123]

You can buy on the exchange, and if you qualify the government will also pay towards it.

[Boiler 43,436]

My assumption is that most people are added on to their Spouses existing plan.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to Moving to the US and Your New Life in America - topic is about getting insurance ~