CR1 visa and health care

[Cristinac 0]

Hi everyone!

I am new here and I have a very simple question, but I havent been able to find a solution yet. So I hope some of you has precious pieces of information

I am an italian citizen, I married an american guy and now I have the CR1 visa. Is it possible to have health care for me? How does it work?

My husband is a veteran and is now on the process of getting health coverage through the VA.

Thank you in advance!

[Kastrs 723]

Your husband should check with the VA on how to add you to his coverage. In my case I was able to add my husband to my insurance within 30 days of his arrival to the US. My insurance is through my employer, I would guess the VA insurance would work similarly.

[Cristinac 0]

Ok, thank you very much for your help!

Have you ever heard of insurance companies that offer health care for people with a (CR1) visa?

[Ortolan 381]

When you get LPR status you can apply for healthcare coverage through the government Healthcare Marketplace.

Edited February 2, 2016 by Ortolan

[Cristinac 0]

Yes, but I will take from 60 to 90 days before my green card comes in the mail and I wanted to find health insurance before my green card comes in.

[yuna628 9,680]

Ways to obtain health insurance:

Be added to the spouses work health insurance plan.

Obtain a job and get health insurance through work if offered.

Google or phone call private plans available in your area and purchase a health insurance plan for yourself. It will still be expensive.

Buy a plan using the state (if you have one) or federal exchange. You qualify even when open enrollment is ended because of your situation. See the link in my signature. It may still be expensive.

Immigrants are allowed to obtain health insurance by any of these methods. As by law if you don't have health insurance you are subject to a tax penalty.

You are not allowed to seek health insurance through Medicaid/Medicare.

Companies that offer short term insurances specifically marketed toward immigrants are not federally compliant because they do not meet the standards for federally recognized coverage. You would still be subject to a penalty in this case.

Since you live in NYC, there is a state exchange. This link should explain your options in that regard. http://www.nyc.gov/html/hia/html/home/home_immigrants.shtml

[Cristinac 0]

Thank you yuna628! Than was very helpful. I still have one more question: can I buy a plan using the state exchange before having the green card and the social security number?

[yuna628 9,680]

Thank you yuna628! Than was very helpful. I still have one more question: can I buy a plan using the state exchange before having the green card and the social security number?

This question would be best to ask to someone that works for the exchange directly. For the federal exchange for those that came here on a K1 for example and have adjusted their status and are still waiting for a green card, in most situations they can obtain health insurance with or without an SSN so long as they have proof of having applied for adjustment of status or have a temporary employment authorization. As you can see from the federal exchange there's all sorts of evidences you can provide. https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/documentation/

https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ Is the NY exchange, you should be able to find some information there.

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

Thank you yuna628! Than was very helpful. I still have one more question: can I buy a plan using the state exchange before having the green card and the social security number?

Your stamp next to your CR-1 visa in your passport is your greencard (I-551) that is good for one year even without the physical card in the mail. You can use that stamp to provide proof in the same ways you'd use the "green card".

As to social security number, that is something you'll need to contact the exchange in NY or your husband's health insurer about. Usually they require a social security number, but that will come quickly and can be applied for with your handy dandy I-551 stamp.

[Cristinac 0]

Thanks, you guys have been very helpful!!! I will investigate all the links you sent me.