Desperately require forum guide for dvlottery winners "What to do when you arrive in the US?"

[doshambe 6]

Hi everyone,

 

So here is my hell for the last 2 days. I woke up with a toothache, didn't bother me much. So, I ignored it but when I had my lunch the pain got severe I thought maybe I need to floss maybe its something stuck. After I reached home brushed, flossed the problem remained. So I called my work and said I need to visit the dentist tomorrow and won't be coming in. Today I went to the dentist first thing in the morning. Turns out I have no insurance as no one told me to get any coverage in the first 60 days of my arrival that I would be covered. I arrived in the US at end of June. Anyways they said I need to check if I qualify for eligibility for sliding fee which would cost me less. Turns out I as per my income I don't qualify. So I called my company up who said I missed the enrollment period which they didn't emphasize on during orientation. So now I need a root canal which will cost me about $1500 or wait for insurance enrollment in 2 months time so I have to live with the pain. I paid $1200 for a root canal today although the pain was relieved I am literally brain dead because of all the information gathering along with the pain the whole day. 

 

This brings me to the conclusion that we desperately need a guide that gives out information as to what to do when you arrive in the United States and are alone. No one actually voluntarily gave me this information but I had to gather it the hard way going through hell at the same time. In order to avoid anyone else being in my situation, I am asking the administrator to please compile a guide as to what one should do when they arrive with no knowledge of the laws and basic things that can be really hard if not done on time. I actually also found out that since I wasn't covered for the 2 months after I entered I might be penalized. 

 

@SusieQQQ : any comments and thoughts you have on this would be really nice.

 

Thanks and regards,

 

[GreatDane 366]

Typically employers enroll employees during the first month or after 30 days. The paperwork was most likely included in your welcome/orientation package with the employer. It's standard to just hand it over vs. walking through the coverage details. If you have a friend, partner, spouse that's from the US, it would be helpful to ask them specifics on your plan. You should check with your employer to see the timeframe to enroll (I'm not sure) but in the US there's a certain period - you can't sign-on at any point. The next enrollment period opens in November so that should be something for you.

 

Btw - new immigrants are not subject to being penalized on income taxes for lack of health insurance. Given the current government, it will most likely disappear altogether. Only time will tell. On the plus side, $1,200 sounds pretty reasonable for a root canal. I was quoted $3,000 or so in the same area. Most important - it got taken care of and you're feeling better. I'm so sorry it happened!!!

[geowrian 22,337]

Healthcare insurance is a necessity that is pretty common sense. That said, it should be a discussion with your employer prior to hiring to know what actions you need to take.

 

One is always able to create a guide in the Wiki:

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php?title=Diversity_Visa

[CEE53147 559]

OP,  you have to learn that no one is going to hold your hand and remind you of what you need to do.  The issue about health insurance is documented over and over. There is information all over the internet about what new arrivals to the US should do in the various circumstances.  You may needs to read more than one to get the full process.  What you are requesting has already been done.