How to get health insurance for green card holders? 

How to get health insurance for green card holders?

Green card holders get several options to enroll in healthcare plans in the US, depending on their eligibility. As they become legal permanent residents in the US, they can enjoy healthcare benefits as US citizens or residents. 

In the US, numerous state or federal plans like Obamacare, Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP focus on providing healthcare to the country’s citizens. However, one must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for these programs. For instance, Medicaid is for low-income citizens, while CHIP is for uninsured children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.  

What are the options for green cards with permanent residency? 

US citizens and residents can apply for domestic plans through Obamacare. It applies to green card holders because they obtain permanent residency status. 

Medicaid is the US state and federal program. Medicaid is typically available to all low-income U.S. citizens younger than 65 years of age. You can also apply if you are 65 years or older, disabled, or blind, and have limited income and assets. Along with the other eligibility rules, a Green card holder can be eligible for Medicaid only after being a permanent resident for five years.  

Green card holders who have lived in the US for at least five years can become eligible for Medicare. Medicare is open to all income levels and is available to individuals aged 65 and above, younger people with disabilities, and people with End Stage Renal Disease.  

To qualify for Obamacare, you need to have a Green card and live in the US. To qualify for Medicare, an individual must be a legal permanent resident, have lived in the US for 5 years on a green card, and have passed their 65th birthday. To qualify for Medicaid, an individual must meet the state’s income and have lived in the US for 5 years.  These are the basic eligibility requirements but could change depending on your situation. 

What are the options for green cards who shuttle between their home country and the US? 

To be eligible for state and federal programs, green card holders must live in the US for at least five continuous years. Green card holders who do not live in the US do not become eligible for these plans. For instance, coming to the US for a leisure trip for a few months and going back to their country of residence do not make them legal permanent residents. 

In such cases, green card holders can opt for visitor insurance plans from private insurance companies in the US. Buying plans from the country of residence is not advisable because those health insurance plans may not be recognized in the US, and the claim process may be time-consuming. 

Visitor insurance plans are designed for individuals going to the US for a brief stay as visitors. Visitor insurance plans are available to kids, parents, and senior adults. However, the plan coverage and premiums change depending on the age, duration of stay, policy maximum, deductible,   and optional rider if added. 

These plans are of two types- comprehensive plans and fixed benefit plans. The comprehensive plans can be higher in premium than the fixed benefits plans but offer better protection. In contrast, the fixed benefits plans are more economical, provide lesser protection, and come with pre-defined limits. At NRIOL.net, green card holders can find comprehensive and fixed benefit visitor insurance plans. To purchase one, call us. 

What are the options for individuals with pending green card status? 

Individuals with pending green card statuses are visitors to the US because they have not obtained permanent resident status yet. As a result, they do not become eligible to purchase domestic plans from healthcare.gov or apply for any other federal and state programs. This leaves them with no choice other than opting for visitor insurance plans or immigrant plans from insurance companies. 

These insurance plans can cover them till they get their green cards. Then, once they obtain legal permanent resident status, they can apply for domestic plans. Visitor insurance plans cover eligible medical expenses, hospitalization charges, prescriptions and drugs, COVID-19, doctor’s visits, urgent care, and more for any new illness/injury during this waiting period. 

Should green card holders purchase health insurance? 

It is not mandated by law to purchase a medical insurance policy, but it is always recommended. Owing to the high medical expenses in the US, visiting a hospital can result in a huge bill. It becomes impossible for many to pay this amount out of pocket. Hence, purchasing a health insurance plan is always suggested. It saves people from bankruptcy and huge debts. 

Green card holders with permanent resident status can check their eligibility and enroll in federal programs. Whereas green card holders with pending status and visiting the country briefly can opt for visitor insurance plans from reliable US insurance companies like us. 

Drop us an email for any queries regarding the plans and purchasing process. We will get back at the soonest.