Chris A.

Hello again everyone!
Thank you for taking the time to look at our situation and give us advice and encouragement. Its still a little confusing and seemingly causing a bit of an argument! How sad. That was not our intent.
I'd like to state that we are posting our question here because we want to DO THE RIGHT THING, in the right way, without harm to anyone. I believe that's what VisaJourney is all about. I am in no way seeking to receive benefits that I am not eligible for, so no worry that our intent is to steal tax payers money. I am not trying to do something that will jeopardize my status here.
Perhaps it is possible that life is uncontrollable and despite the best intentions and plans, you can find yourself in a difficult situation. My husband did not want to get laid off, and I do not like having to ask for care because I cannot provide it myself. However, we are expecting a child and my pride has to supersede any personal preferences.
I will see about expediting my EAD (thank you for that suggestion), and my husband is looking for a job everyday. It is a difficult and stressful time. Yes, we know we signed an agreement not to become a public charge. We are not looking to be parasites, however.
Thank you for the help given us to get more clarification, because we have read all the links posted on this topic. We are also going to be calling our local county office on Monday to find out exactly what we need to do with Medi-cal. We are still processing all the information shared so we hope you can please bear with us.
We were told at the clinic, that as a pregnant woman, I can receive help regardless of my immigration status. We only applied for it today and haven't sent in the papers yet. I will be under "presumptive eligibility" in lieu of getting approved or denied by Medi-cal. I am just glad that I am in a country that honors families that want to stay together and raise healthy children.
Here is what we gathered from everyone's input on this topic:
1. We should have a joint sponsor/additional I-864 and bring this to our interview. UNLESS my husband has a new job by the time of the interview with sufficient income that satisfies the requirement.
2. Pregnant women may or may not be deemed eligible for care. It is important to try to apply anyway and speak to the local office about our specific case at least in the interest of the unborn child.
3. Should I be approved for prenatal care, my husband as the sponsor may be billed later on by the government.
The best thing we can see at this point is for my husband to get a job right away that meets the requirements, with insurance. And when I get my EAD, I can also finally work and hopefully receive my own coverage. In the meantime, we will find a joint sponsor.
Thank you everyone for taking time to respond. Please do pray for us, for those who believe that we are merely trying to do what is right.
Have a good weekend.