If you’re in the process of obtaining a Green Card or have recently received one, it is important to understand your health insurance options, to ensure you’re covered for medical expenses while in the US.
Your options for health insurance depend on your current immigration status:
- If you’re waiting for your Green Card, then you need short-term visitor’s insurance.
- If you already have your Green card, then you are eligible for long-term health insurance.
Short-Term Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants
Short-term health insurance is an option for temporary coverage if you are:
- Waiting for your Green Card to be processed.
- A new Green Card holder without long-term insurance yet.
- Living part-time in the US and need coverage only for short stays.
However, it’s important to note that short-term insurance does not meet ACA (Affordable Care Act) requirements, meaning it may:
- Exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Have high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
- Not cover essential benefits like maternity care or mental health services.
So, while these plans provide basic medical coverage, they are not a replacement for long-term health insurance. If you plan to stay in the US permanently, it’s best to enroll in a Marketplace plan or an employer-sponsored plan as soon as possible.
You can compare short-term plans through brokers like Insubuy, IMG, Seven Corners, or VisitorsCoverage.
What Does It Mean for an Insurance Plan to Be ACA-Compliant?
To be ACA-compliant means that a health insurance plan must cover the 10 essential health benefits, offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, and cannot charge you more based on your health history. The 10 essential health benefits that must be covered in ACA plans are:
- ambulatory patient services
- emergency services
- hospitalization
- maternity and newborn care
- mental health and substance use disorder services including behavioral health treatment
- prescription drugs
- rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- laboratory services
- preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- pediatric services, including oral and vision care
Health Insurance Options if You Already Got Your Green Card
If you have obtained your Green Card, you are considered a US permanent resident and have multiple options for long-term health insurance:
1. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
If you are employed, your employer may offer health insurance as part of your employment benefits. This is often the most affordable and comprehensive option since employers typically cover a portion of the premium.
The one downside to this type of insurance is that if you lose your job, your insurance will end.
2. Health Insurance Through the ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov)
If you do not have insurance through employment, you can enroll in a plan yourself. You can do this through the ACA Marketplace, which is an online platform run by the government where you can compare and enroll in health insurance plans that follow the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These plans are also referred to as “on-exchange”.
Another benefit of enrolling through the Marketplace is that you may qualify for financial subsidies if you have a lower annual income (reduced monthly premiums).
Note: You can only enroll in the Marketplace during the Open Enrollment Period (Nov-Jan) unless you qualify for Special Enrollment due to life events like job loss or moving.
3. Private Health Insurance
You can also purchase a plan directly through insurance companies or brokers. These types of plans can be ACA-compliant as well, but not always, and are referred to as “off-exchange”.
The benefit of enrolling in an off-exchange insurance plan is that you have more flexibility in both insurance options and cost. For example, you can find plans with vision and dental plans, short-term insurance, or wellness services. Additionally, you can customize the level of coverage you want, and adjust the premiums to your budget.
The downside is that even if the plan is ACA-compliant, you won’t qualify for subsidies like premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. That means you may end up paying more for similar coverage compared to plans bought through the ACA Marketplace
4. Medicare and Medicaid (5-Year Waiting Period)
Medicare and Medicaid are government-sponsored health insurance programs. Green Card holders become eligible for one of these programs only after five years of residency.
- Medicare: For people 65 years and older (or people under 65 who have a disability or certain conditions).
- Medicaid: For people and families with low income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Marketplace and private insurance plans?
While both are valid insurance policies in the US, the difference between Marketplace and private insurance is:
- Marketplace plans are government-regulated and may offer subsidies based on income. (They are still private insurance plans, just better regulated.)
- Private plans outside the Marketplace (off-exchange) offer more customization. However, they don’t qualify for subsidies, which may result in higher costs.
What documents do I need to apply for health insurance after getting a Green Card?
To enroll for a health insurance plan, you will usually need your Green Card, an SSN, proof of income (like tax returns or pay stubs), and a US address.
Can my dependents (spouse or children) get the same insurance as me?
Yes, if you have dependents on an H4 visa, you can typically add them to your insurance plan during enrollment.
When can I enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan?
You can enroll during the Open Enrollment Period (typically November 1 to January 15). Outside of this, you can enroll only if you qualify for the Special Enrollment Period due to life changes like obtaining a Green Card, moving, or job loss.
Do I need health insurance to apply for a Green Card?
While it’s not a strict requirement, having health insurance (or at least showing proof that you can manage your medical expenses while you are in the US) can be helpful for your Green Card application.
Can I get dental and vision coverage with my health insurance?
Marketplace plans for adults typically do not include dental or vision coverage. However, you can buy separate dental and vision insurance, or choose a private plan that includes these benefits.