E&I

To let people who have the same problem know: My package was pretty torn out. But it was clear that I wasn't able to take anything out or put anything inside. Plus the stamp wasn't damaged. My embassy said that I should change it for the second time, but I didn't have time and flew with the torn package. And I heard nothing about it being torn when I entered the country! 

To let people who have the same problem know: My package was pretty torn out. But it was clear that I wasn't able to take anything out or put anything inside. Plus the stamp wasn't damaged. My embassy said that I should change it for the second time, but I didn't have time and flew with the torn package. And I heard nothing about it being torn when I entered the country! 

Hi there:
Who told you that she cannot apply for medical insurance without an SSN? It's simply not true. You can purchase health insurance for her as soon as she lands via a private plan, you can add her to health insurance once you marry if you have it via work, or you can sign up for O'care after marriage and filing for AOS (with an EAD).
 
Now throughout this process, don't be swayed or deterred by people (in particular HR, insurance employees that don't know the law, or phone people) that tell you she cannot get insurance without an SSN. Nevertheless, if you'd like to get through it with as little bother and harassment from unknowledgeable employees as possible - you can obtain an SSN for her almost immediately after she arrives with her K1. Check her I-94 online and ensure it's correct, then in a few days head over to the SSA and apply (follow the SSA guide on this website). If you are refused, show them the printout, ask for a supervisor, or simply choose to go to a different office that will serve you. If all is fine, within a few weeks she'll have her SSN. If you wish to wait to obtain coverage after marriage, make sure not to wait too long either, as there will be a time limit for 'special enrollment'. If you decide to use Obamacare via the federal/state exchanges, instead of purchasing a private plan or adding her to a joint work plan, you're going to need to have filed for Adjustment of Status to prove that she has some sort of legal status - the earliest you'd be able to apply is with either an NOA1 or the EAD while waiting for a green card.
 
Temporary insurance, travel insurances, and short term insurances are considered subpar by the government - and that means the penalty will still apply. Everyone residing in the US must have health insurance or pay a penalty. Under the new administration this is likely to change, and some tweaks have already been made regarding how exactly that would likely not be enforced. However - please don't let someone telling you that she needs an SSN deter you from obtaining health insurance for her. She's within her rights to obtain an SSN nearly immediately, and despite that not having one doesn't prevent you from purchasing insurance.