DV 2015 Oceania winners
- Thread starter Kellie
- Start date
cj27
Member
We are starting to look into various insurances too, most employers will offer basic cover which is good. (I think)
I wonder what happens to people who need emergency care and have no insurance at all. Surely they are not refused? I'm sure a lot of people cannot afford cover if it costs so much.
I wonder what happens to people who need emergency care and have no insurance at all. Surely they are not refused? I'm sure a lot of people cannot afford cover if it costs so much.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
They'll still get treatment, following which a hefty bill costing way more than the negotiated price available through insurance will be slapped on them.
guestgulkan
Well-Known Member
I lived in the USA for a couple of years not too long ago.
Most people get their health insurance via their job. So job = health. Free dental and doctor for the whole family.
reeko
Member
Thanks heaps @EmilyW , and good luck to you also @martinskypemartin - I'm up at 10:45AM will keep an eye out for you.
As mentioned earlier, my situation is a tricky one… I’m a Kiwi but was born in the UK, as my parents were temporarily living/studying there at the time. I’m eligible to charge my entry to my parents place of birth (NZ), however it’s been extremely difficult, near impossible, to find any solid ‘third party’ documentation/evidence to prove either the studies or the ‘temporary’ situation. Long story short, my Dad was doing post-graduate medical internships etc - not as clear-cut as a standard University degree, for example.
I’m pretty concerned about it, but have done as much homework/preparation as possible (and received some fantastic advice through this forum)….So now I’m just going to go in confident/guns blazing and hope for the best...
As mentioned earlier, my situation is a tricky one… I’m a Kiwi but was born in the UK, as my parents were temporarily living/studying there at the time. I’m eligible to charge my entry to my parents place of birth (NZ), however it’s been extremely difficult, near impossible, to find any solid ‘third party’ documentation/evidence to prove either the studies or the ‘temporary’ situation. Long story short, my Dad was doing post-graduate medical internships etc - not as clear-cut as a standard University degree, for example.
I’m pretty concerned about it, but have done as much homework/preparation as possible (and received some fantastic advice through this forum)….So now I’m just going to go in confident/guns blazing and hope for the best...
With regard to health insurance, my employer does not cover me. I bought 3 months worth of Seven Corners Immigrant insurance before I left Australia, which I can renew as long as I do it before the3 months is up. Someone said that this insurance does not exempt you from the tax fine you get if you don't have private health insurance here. Well I figure at $90 per month for pretty good coverage and a zero deductible, I'd rather pay the fine as it will work out way cheaper than the several thousand Id pay in insurance premiums. I just have to make sure I see a doctor who is on the list, and judging by the list I should have plenty of choice. I will consult a tax agent and find out what the tax implications are. When I do I will post here. I've been here one month now and I have my social security card, greencard, a car loan(decent credit rating here I come), a lovely Lexus 4WD, a great job, a nice place to live, and I am booked in to get my Colorado drivers license. So all is going well.
Good luck Reeko and any others going for interview.
Good luck Reeko and any others going for interview.
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
The fine this year is 2% of household income above the tax threshold (so 2% of anything above approx $10k a year). In 2016 it will go up to 2.5%.
Sounds like all is going well for you!
That's what I thought, so yes, the fine will be less than the premiums. Im happy with that. And yes, amazingly everything is going as planned. I can't believe my good fortune really. I always say, when you are on the right path in life all the doors swing open. I feel blessed.
Britsimon
Super Moderator
Please don't think a $90 policy is a good long term option - it cannot provide comparable cover to the local plans if you compare apples to apples. Good idea for short term "bridging" coverage, but that's it. A cheaper policy has to have a way to limit their exposure to the eye watering costs of medical car here.
It's going to have to do for the next 12 months or so. I'm just going to have to stay healthy. I will avoid the ridiculousness of US health insurance for as long as I can
connectedspace
Active Member
Yes, healthcare in the States is terrifying. In 'blue' states that have worked to minimise premiums under Obamacare, you're looking at $600+ per month for a couple with ~$7000 max yearly out of pocket (on top of your premiums). Healthcare is one of those things that I strongly believe shouldn't be left to the market. But I'm a Bernie Sanders Socialist, so take that as you will
Essey
Active Member
For the most part the way I see it, for any non-urgent medical matters I will be returning to Australia to get treated. I intend to come back once a year to visit anyway so will do my check ups and maintain my GP in Australia too. Health insurance in the U.S. for me is primarily to cover me in any emergency situations and I'll be choosing cover based on this, at least to begin with.
cj27
Member
@Britsimon would you be kind enough to post your recommendation or link of a reasonably priced healthcare package for a family of 3 (2 adults and a young teen). There are a lot of options out there!
A bit off topic. I am getting a lot of info on the internet but not yet 100% sure of the correct way to go about filing a tax return or when... We will activate this July. When must I file and how? We will not be looking at moving permanently until 2016 sometime.
Also, regarding school terms for middle and high school in the US, do different states have holidays at different times (like in Australia)? Specifically asking about Nevada and North Carolina.
I am really sorry if I have posted this in the wrong area. I am spending ages looking at different sites and getting a bit of conflicting and confusing info. I am trying to look for the answer myself as to not upset anyone for repeating a possibly already answered question.
Thank you all so much
A bit off topic. I am getting a lot of info on the internet but not yet 100% sure of the correct way to go about filing a tax return or when... We will activate this July. When must I file and how? We will not be looking at moving permanently until 2016 sometime.
Also, regarding school terms for middle and high school in the US, do different states have holidays at different times (like in Australia)? Specifically asking about Nevada and North Carolina.
I am really sorry if I have posted this in the wrong area. I am spending ages looking at different sites and getting a bit of conflicting and confusing info. I am trying to look for the answer myself as to not upset anyone for repeating a possibly already answered question.
Thank you all so much
Britsimon
Super Moderator
If you get healthcare through work, those plans are usually the best choice. Healthcare.gov allows you to get good quotes. I have blue shield through work but my company had several choices including Kaiser - which is a system I'd like to try. It's a big subject...
If you activate in 2015 you will file tax for the 2015 year in April 2016.
There might be some slight variation state to state on school terms and even within a state...
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
Is a big subject - and if you don't get through work I would suggest getting a broker to sit with you and explain all the ins and outs of the various systems.
And yes states have somewhat different terms, which helps when you don't have all 50 converging on Disneyland for spring break in the same week
Partly weather dependent ie warmer states tend to go back slightly later after the summer vacation (or so I've been told).
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
EmilyW
Well-Known Member
Good luck to @reeko and @martinskypemartin this morning. Go get 'em guys!
Hershal
Active Member
I've really got to do some more research here. Like I said, it would be nice to get health insurance through my employer however I am intending on if I can to be a self employed contractor like I already do here in Australia.
Have to work out if the tax benefits for owning a company and doing it myself will outweigh the option of being a full time employee and getting benefits, training, security and all that jazz!
So much to think about, so much to organise!
Have to work out if the tax benefits for owning a company and doing it myself will outweigh the option of being a full time employee and getting benefits, training, security and all that jazz!
So much to think about, so much to organise!
guestgulkan
Well-Known Member
If it's non-urgent then the plane ticket cost will be greater than the insurance excess (aka deductible in the USA).
Essey
Active Member
Not if you have flight benefits!
Also, under insurance in the U.S., there's often still a gap you have to pay that insurance may not cover (depending on your insurance). Procedures here cost an exorbitant amount of money. It's happened to a few people I know. I'd rather just go back and know up front what I'm in for.