is health insurance this straightforward, or am I missing something?

[backintherain]

I'm a US citizen with AOS currently in process for my mom. One of the things that was troubling me is what to do about health insurance (She is in her mid 50s and has diabetes, cholesterol issues etc). I was having nightmares thinking she would be uninsurable or it would cost like $3K per month, with exclusions for pre-existing conditions. That is what I gathered from some of the horror stories online.

However, here in Oregon there is the high risk OMIP/FMIP pool offered by the state, which is about $700 per month. While that is not cheap by any means, it is probably not impossible for us to pay it, so it seems like a viable solution. Better than getting a $150K bill if something unfortunate happens. Am I missing something obvious?

Also, from what I understand, there is no danger of being considered a "public charge" since we would be BUYING into these plans, right?

In other states (like AZ) which have the federal pre-existing coverage plans (PCIP), it's only about $350 per month for her age group. That seems like a reasonable deal to me, compared with the alternative.

I guess my question is: with the availability of such plans, why is health insurance still such a big dilemma for most people sponsoring their parents?

 

[Jackolantern]

Also, from what I understand, there is no danger of being considered a "public charge" since we would be BUYING into these plans, right?

Correct.

I guess my question is: with the availability of such plans, why is health insurance still such a big dilemma for most people sponsoring their parents?

Because most new citizens who want to sponsor their parents have parents older than 60, and for them it gets MUCH more expensive.

In addition, some states don't have a high-risk pool at all, or they have stopped accepting new entrants.

The Federal pre-existing condition subsidy is something recently added through Obamacare, and it could go away if Romney wins the election.

 

[ananga73]

And $700 for health insurance for one person is very high for the majority of people. Don't forget average household income in the USA is $50k a year so even if the foreign immigrant population is stereotypically higher educated and on average makes more, lets say $60k household income, $700 for a parent isn't cheap by any means.

Get the picture?

 

[Jackolantern]

And $700 for health insurance for one person is very high for the majority of people. Don't forget average household income in the USA is $50k a year so even if the foreign immigrant population is stereotypically higher educated and on average makes more, lets say $60k household income, $700 for a parent isn't cheap by any means.

Especially when that $700 is on top of the other expenses for supporting a non-working parent.

 

[backintherain]

Especially when that $700 is on top of the other expenses for supporting a non-working parent.

True.

$700 is indeed a lot of money to be going out every month, but if it is offset against money which would otherwise go out on daycare etc, then it starts to look a little better.

anyways, thanks for the clarification

 

[Tortellino]

Obamacare is now here: What Health Insurance for over 65 recent US citizen parents?

Hello All
I am a greencard holder. My parents and I came to this country because of my scholarship then my work.
My parents now became citizens after5 years of green card and they are over 65. Untill now we have used a global travel insurance but, even just for a flu shot, I cant bring them to any hospital to have it done , so it is becoming a problem.
Medicare does not give them anything because they have foreign medicare quarters from Europe....and I cant afford $700 for each parent. Medicaid is aweful, gets discontinued without you even knowing it and a hassle to reactivate it ( case workers who dont answer the phone....all sorts of burocracy issues). I saw the bridge plan and it is full of exclusions and limitation. I am sorry to say but health insurancer in this country is a horriblem matter for newcomers. Now with Obamacare what other options do we have?
thank you
tortellino

 

[ananga73]

Next to none. I mean come on what have they contributed to this economy that should make them eligible for healthcare with our tax payers money?

I know for you personally it hurts however be fair.

I am sorry to say but health insurancer in this country is a horriblem matter for newcomers. Now with Obamacare what other options do we have?
thank you
tortellino