Alyssa Lane
If you're an immigrant in the US and your parents are visiting from another country, it's important to get them travel medical insurance, also known as visitors insurance, to cover their healthcare costs during their stay. The US generally does not accept health insurance from other countries, and healthcare costs in the US can be high and vary between cities and states. Travel insurance for visitors to the US is not mandatory but is highly recommended to protect your loved ones from unexpected medical bills. It's also important to note that most travel insurance policies do not qualify as minimum essential coverage under the ACA, so your parents will need to enrol in a permanent plan during the annual open enrolment period. Lawfully present immigrants in the US may be eligible for coverage through government programs such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), depending on their income and residency status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance for immigrants over 65 | Not eligible for Medicare; can purchase a private plan in the exchange (Marketplace) |
| Insurance for immigrants under 65 | May be eligible for domestic health insurance plans |
| Insurance for immigrants with children | Eligible for coverage through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) |
| Insurance for immigrants with low income | May be eligible for Medicaid |
| Insurance for immigrants with pre-existing conditions | Must be disclosed when purchasing insurance |
| Insurance for immigrants on a Green Card | Depends on age, length of stay, and budget; short-term Visitor insurance may be an option |
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What You'll Learn
Travel insurance for visiting parents
The best travel medical insurance for visitors to the US includes valuable benefits that can help pay for routine, urgent, and emergency medical care. When selecting health insurance for visiting parents, several key factors should guide your decision to ensure comprehensive and suitable coverage for their stay:
- Medical Expense Coverage: Choose policies that cover essential medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor's visits, and urgent care.
- Policy Maximum: Ensure the policy maximum is sufficient for potential high-cost medical events. A policy maximum of $100,000 is often recommended for comprehensive protection, although higher limits may be ideal for longer stays or travellers with known health conditions.
- Provider Network (PPO): Choose an insurer with a preferred provider network (PPO) to reduce out-of-pocket costs for in-network care, an important factor for managing expenses.
- Repatriation of Remains: This feature covers the cost of returning remains to the home country if needed. Look for a policy offering at least $25,000 for this benefit.
- Medical and Evacuation Benefits: Inpatient and outpatient services, emergency medical services, and other healthcare services ranging from dental to prescription medication are typically covered by travel medical insurance plans for visitors.
The average cost of visitors insurance is between $200 and $300. There is no legal requirement for your parents to have travel insurance to visit you in the US, but it is highly recommended. Fixed plan travel insurance is a more affordable option, but it provides less coverage and has caps on covered expenses. Comprehensive plans offer more extensive coverage but at a higher cost.
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Lawfully present immigrants' insurance
Lawfully present immigrants in the US can get Marketplace coverage and may qualify for premium tax credits and other savings on Marketplace plans. The term "lawfully present" includes immigrants with "Qualified Non-Citizen" immigration status, as well as those with humanitarian statuses or circumstances (including Temporary Protected Status, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, asylum applicants, victims of trafficking, etc.).
If you're a "Qualified Non-Citizen," you're generally eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if you meet state income and residency rules. However, there is usually a 5-year waiting period after obtaining "Qualified Non-Citizen" status before you can receive Medicaid and CHIP coverage. Exceptions to the waiting period include refugees, asylees, and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who previously held refugee or asylee status.
Qualified non-citizens who haven't had their status for 5 years may qualify for Marketplace coverage if they meet other eligibility criteria. Additionally, some states have chosen to waive the 5-year waiting period for lawfully residing children and pregnant individuals, providing them with immediate Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
It's important to note that applying for or receiving Medicaid or CHIP benefits does not make you a "public charge." This means it won't negatively affect your chances of becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident or US citizen. However, there is an exception for individuals receiving long-term care in a government-funded institution, such as a nursing facility, which may impact their path to a green card.
To find out more about specific insurance plans and eligibility, you can refer to official websites ending in "https .gov," such as HealthCare.gov, which provides information on health coverage for lawfully present immigrants and allows you to safely share sensitive information.
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Income criteria for insurance
Income is a key factor in determining eligibility for health insurance in the United States, especially for immigrants. Here is an overview of the income criteria for insurance for immigrants:
- Marketplace Coverage: Lawfully present immigrants may be eligible for Marketplace coverage and can qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums and extra savings on out-of-pocket expenses based on their income. The federal poverty levels, issued annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are used to determine eligibility for savings on Marketplace health insurance plans.
- Medicaid and CHIP: For "qualified non-citizens," income is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Many qualified non-citizens, such as Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) or green card holders, face a 5-year waiting period for Medicaid and CHIP coverage after obtaining their "qualified" immigration status. However, exceptions are made for refugees, asylees, and former refugees or asylees who are now LPRs. During the waiting period, qualified non-citizens may be eligible for Marketplace coverage.
- State-Funded Coverage: Some states have expanded access to health coverage for immigrants, offering Medicaid and CHIP coverage for lawfully present immigrant children and pregnant individuals. Additionally, a small but growing number of states provide coverage to certain low-income groups, regardless of immigration status.
- Community Health Centers: Immigrants can access health care at lower costs through community health centers, which offer services on a sliding scale based on income.
- Employer-Provided Insurance: In the US, individuals may obtain health insurance through their employer. This option may be available to immigrants with work visas or employment authorization.
- Private Insurance: Immigrants can also purchase private insurance directly, although this may be more challenging due to income limitations and the higher costs associated with private coverage.
Income plays a significant role in determining the insurance options available to immigrant parents. It is important to consider both federal and state-level programs, as well as alternative options like community health centers, to ensure access to affordable health care for immigrant families.
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Medicare eligibility
In the United States, people generally pay for their medical care directly or through insurance. Health insurance can be obtained through an employer or purchased privately.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease.
To be eligible for Medicare, individuals must meet specific criteria. Here are the key requirements for different categories of residents:
- US citizens and permanent residents: To qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, citizens and permanent residents must be at least 65 years old and have worked for a minimum of 40 quarters (10 years) in jobs where they or their spouses paid Medicare payroll taxes.
- Legal immigrants aged 65 and above: Legal immigrants in this age group who do not meet the work history requirement can purchase Medicare Part A after residing legally in the US for five consecutive years.
- Legal immigrants under 65 with disabilities: Non-citizen permanent residents under 65 with disabilities may qualify for Medicare. However, they typically need to meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI (disability benefits) that citizens must also fulfil. These requirements include work history, paying Social Security taxes, and accumulating sufficient Social Security tax credits.
- New immigrants: New immigrants, regardless of age, are not eligible for Medicare. They must meet the residency requirements before becoming eligible.
- Undocumented immigrants: Undocumented immigrants are not eligible to enrol in federally funded coverage programs, including Medicare.
- Lawfully present immigrants: Lawfully present immigrants, such as DACA recipients and those with Temporary Protected Status, can qualify for Medicare with certain restrictions. They must have sufficient work history to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. If they lack the necessary work history, they may still qualify if they have been lawful permanent residents for five years immediately preceding their Medicare enrolment, but they must pay premiums for Part A.
It is important to note that eligibility for Medicare is subject to change, and specific circumstances may require further consideration. For the most up-to-date and personalised information, it is recommended to refer to official government sources, such as Medicare.gov and Healthcare.gov.
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Private health insurance
If your parents are lawfully present in the US, they can get Marketplace coverage and may qualify for premium tax credits and other savings on Marketplace plans. The term "lawfully present" includes immigrants with "Qualified Non-Citizen" status, such as refugees, asylees, and victims of trafficking. They may also be eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if they meet state income and residency rules. However, there is usually a five-year waiting period for Medicaid and CHIP coverage after obtaining "Qualified Non-Citizen" status, with some exceptions for specific groups.
It is important to note that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and certain other immigration statuses are no longer eligible for Marketplace coverage in some states due to a recent court order. On the other hand, some states are establishing programs that use state funds to subsidize health coverage for undocumented immigrants.
Private insurance can be purchased from various providers, and the Healthcare.gov website offers a tool to help individuals find the best health insurance plan for their needs. This tool allows users to compare different plans and providers based on their specific circumstances. Additionally, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds health centres that provide services based on an individual's ability to pay, ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare regardless of their financial situation.
Overall, private health insurance is a viable option for your parents immigrating to the US, especially if they are lawfully present and meet the eligibility criteria for Marketplace coverage or can purchase private insurance independently.
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Frequently asked questions
If your parents are above the age of 65 and are not eligible for Medicare, you can look into private insurance plans. Some insurance providers like Anthem offer plans for those 65 and older. You can also compare and purchase Visitor Insurance or Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance available in your state. If your parents are below 65, they might be eligible for some domestic health insurance plans.
If your parents are eligible for Medicare, they can enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B. If they are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, they can choose to keep their Marketplace plan.
The ideal medical insurance for parents on a Green Card will depend on their age, the length of their stay in the US, and your budget. If they are above 65, they will not be eligible for Medicare. If they are below 65, they can get insurance through their employer or buy Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance.
The cost of insurance for immigrant parents will depend on their income and the specific plan they choose. The sponsor's income is also considered when calculating the cost of insurance. There are also premium tax credits and subsidies available for those who qualify.
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