This is a hypothetical question for right now, but definitely something that might occur in the future. Since obtaining citizenship I am of course eligible to sponsor my mother for a GC. She lives happily in Europe with my Stepdad and is in her late 50s. I was wondering what if something happened to my Stepdad and she decided she would like to come live with her only daughter in the US? My biggest concern is health insurance? Does anyone have any experience or information?
Health Insurnance for elderly mother
- Thread starter Jojo72
- Start date
I'm somewhat amused that you think "late 50's" is elderly 
Anyway, there are very few viable health insurance options for a new immigrant with no social security (Medicare) credits. Possibly with someone as young as your mother, she may be eligible for a regular Blue Cross policy, but its likely to be expensive. The only other alternative is one of the "inbound immigrant" policies which have been used by some of the members here. Coverage is limited, and the policy is intended to be used for major medical events only. Might be better than nothing.
http://www.buyamericaninsurance.com/sevencorners/inboundimmigrant.jsp
After 5yrs as an LPR, a person becomes eligible to purchase limited Medicare coverage, but this is quite expensive too. ($700/month). Some states offer Medicaid programs for people unable to get insurance, but eligibility rules vary.
Anyway, there are very few viable health insurance options for a new immigrant with no social security (Medicare) credits. Possibly with someone as young as your mother, she may be eligible for a regular Blue Cross policy, but its likely to be expensive. The only other alternative is one of the "inbound immigrant" policies which have been used by some of the members here. Coverage is limited, and the policy is intended to be used for major medical events only. Might be better than nothing.
http://www.buyamericaninsurance.com/sevencorners/inboundimmigrant.jsp
After 5yrs as an LPR, a person becomes eligible to purchase limited Medicare coverage, but this is quite expensive too. ($700/month). Some states offer Medicaid programs for people unable to get insurance, but eligibility rules vary.
Jackolantern
Registered Users (C)
If she comes here and doesn't get a job that offers health insurance, it will be VERY expensive for someone her age to buy it on her own. And if she has anything serious in her medical history like diabetes or cancer or a heart attack, it will be close to impossible for her to get coverage on her own. US health care is based on maximizing profit, with serving patients being a lower priority, so they generally only want the young and the healthy to sign up.
It is more important for your stepdad to get life insurance for himself, so she will be financially taken care of if the unspeakable happens, including being able to afford health care in the US.
It is more important for your stepdad to get life insurance for himself, so she will be financially taken care of if the unspeakable happens, including being able to afford health care in the US.
Actually it is very good point, for example my organization can provide an insurance for parents/grand parents/cousins but only if they live with me "under common roof".
CrossHairs
Registered Users (C)
Very few employers(companies), if any, will provide health insurance for parents. Most only cover spouses and children.
That's true but if your spouse (or if you do not have a spouse) has separate coverage from his/her own employer, some employer allows you to substitute your spouse with your mom OR dad (only one) in your health insurance plan.
Jojo72, you can always consider relocating to New York. NY state has an insurance program called Affinity Health Plus. It offers free or low cost insurance to individuals who don't qualify for Medicaid, but can't afford health insurance. I'm not sure if other states offer similar programs, but NY definitely does.
JohnnyCash
Volunteer Moderator
Vorpal,
Affinity Health Plus is a part of Medicaid. Meaning, one must need to be eligible for Medicaid in order to choose this Health Plan. Unfortunately, there is no low cost medical insurance in the US especially when someone is older or has existing critical medical condition.
Obtaining a Canadian Citizenship or a country in the Europe before emigrating to the United States could also be one of the options to take care this medical insurance issue because these countries do provide a medical coverage to their citizens regardless of where their citizens live in the world...As a matter of fact, Canada is very quick in processing the claim for the reimbursement at their consulates here in the States...Just an option to explore, in my opinion...to nail down this issue....
Triple Citizen
Registered Users (C)
Canadian provinces offer health insurance plans and not the federal government. I am a Canadian citizen and I can tell you with complete confidence that non-residents are NOT covered by any provincial plan. Provincial residents get limited coverage when visiting overseas, but not when they live outside permanently!!!
One of my coworkers used to work for Affinity Health Plus. He made it sound like it was a program completely independent of Medicaid. What exactly is the difference between Medicaid and AHP?
Thank you everyone for your vast variety of answers. It has definitely shed some light on the issue. As I stated before it is not an acute situation, but I like to know my different options. Thanks again all for your thoughts and inputs, as always it is very much appreciated.
JohnnyCash
Volunteer Moderator
I've tons of friends and family who are Canadian, and everyone has told me about receiving a free medical insurance from their govt. However, I don't know if such medical insurances are provided by federal govt. or a local govt. over there. Nevertheless, I don't see any difference in them so long govt. (local or federal) provides a health insurance to needed people.
And I don't think I have talked about receiving any kind of medical insurance from Canadian govt being there as a tourist or non-resident, instead I said very clearly about being a Canadian citizen in order to obtain a free medical benefit there.
Jackolantern
Registered Users (C)
Your post implied that Canadian citizens would get health care paid for by the Canadian government even though they are living outside Canada, "regardless of where their citizens live in the world".
JohnnyCash
Volunteer Moderator
Medicaid is a health plan offered by state but partially funded by federal govt. Medicaid is designed for those who have either no income or a low income. Each state has its own criteria and eligibility. For example, NY state requires an applicant to be legal, while NJ doesn't. But then there was a change made two or so years ago on federal level which states that a person must be a LPR for at least 5 yrs before s/he could file for medicaid.
AHP is just a medical insurance company like many out there. Once an application for medicaid is approved, person must need to choose a medical insurance company out of a list that would be provided by state. So, AHP is one of them like Health Plus and many more. In short, a medical insurance company works along the side of Medicaid. Person can change their insurnace company if s/he would wish to change.
JohnnyCash
Volunteer Moderator
Yeah, that's what I know. A few of my Canadian friends live in Europe and Asia. They got sick there, so they sent the bills to Canadian consulates for reimbursement....They are the ones who told me so. But I think any information in this regard could easily be found on web...I guess...
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Like TripleCitizen mentioned, Canadian health coverage is provided by the provinces and requires Canadian residency to be eligible. Most (if not all) provinces require a minimum of 3 months residency before coverage kicks in.
Medicaid will provide you care if you're a citizen or LPR.
Triple Citizen
Registered Users (C)
They are probably deceiving the respective provinces by portraying themselves as visitors to those countries in Europe and Asia. Secondly, reimbursement is through the ministry of health in that province, Canadian consulates and embassies play no part. You need to find friends who do not fib.