Top Healthcare and Insurance Insights All in One Place
In a perfect world, every person in the United States would have affordable health insurance coverage. We’re not there yet, but we’re closer than you might think. In 2023, about twice as many lawfully present immigrant adults were uninsured in comparison to citizens. However, contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be a citizen to benefit from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Many residents have health insurance options today that were unavailable in the past. Let’s break down how to access your best healthcare options regardless of your immigration status.
If you’re lawfully present in the US, you’re eligible for Obamacare
About one million people each year are granted lawful permanent residence in the US. If you’re one of them, you can apply for any available health insurance plans during open enrollment, just like citizens. This includes health employer-sponsored insurance plans and plans purchased through an insurance marketplace like HealthBird.
A lawfully present immigrant includes anyone who has:
- Qualified noncitizen status
- A valid nonimmigrant visa
- Legal status defined by certain laws like the Family Unity Program or LIFE Act
- Humanitarian status, like asylum applicants or those with Temporary Protected Status
As long as you meet one or more of these qualifications, currently live in the US, are not incarcerated, and are not covered by Medicare, you can sign up for insurance through any Health Insurance Marketplace during open enrollment.
The only exception to this rule are DACA recipients. Currently, even though they are considered lawfully present during their deferred action period, they aren’t eligible to enroll in health coverage. The Biden administration is working to change that, so it’s possible that DACA recipients may be eligible during future open enrollment periods.
Federally funded programs have a few more health coverage eligibility requirements
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are options for any immigrants who have held “qualified” status for at least five years. Veterans, active duty military and their families, and refugees are still eligible without the five-year wait period.
New immigrants aren’t eligible for Medicare no matter their age. If an immigrant or their spouse has worked in a job that paid Medicare payroll taxes for a minimum of 10 years, they can apply for Medicare Part A as soon as they turn 65.
While you’re waiting for a green card, immigrants have a few options
If you’ve applied for a green card but you’re still waiting on it, you’re considered a visitor to the US. It can take an average of 7 to 33 months to obtain a green card in the US, but until you get that card, you won’t qualify for Obamacare.
You can, however, sign up for a visitor insurance plan. Visitor medical insurance plans offer temporary, short-term insurance plans for up to about a year, and many plans can be extended for a second year. It’s more expensive than Obamacare, but it’s a good insurance option for immigrants waiting for a green card.
If you’re an undocumented immigrant, know your healthcare options
Undocumented individuals are not considered lawful US residents, so they’re not eligible for federally funded programs like Affordable Care Act marketplaces and Medicare. Undocumented persons still have options, however. If you’re undocumented, you can still do the following:
Apply for health insurance on behalf of eligible dependents
If you aren’t a lawful resident but your children are, you can still enroll them in a health insurance plan during open enrollment even though you’re ineligible yourself.
Visit low-cost community health clinics
Check for a local health clinic in your area through a directory of national free clinics or a state-specific community clinic list. These are designed to treat everyone who needs care, including undocumented immigrants and individuals without health insurance.
Acquire emergency medical treatment
All hospitals and emergency centers are legally required to treat and stabilize any patience who need emergency medical care, even if they are unable to pay. This includes undocumented immigrants.
Sign up for unsubsidized private health insurance
Some health insurance companies may offer private health insurance coverage for undocumented immigrants depending on their country of origin
In 2022, California made a groundbreaking law regarding immigrant health insurance
California became the first US state to offer state-funded health insurance coverage to undocumented immigrants. The new eligibility rules kicked in as of January 2024, offering an expanded Medi-Cal program to almost all eligible state residents, undocumented immigrants included. Other Medi-Cal eligibility rules still apply, but if you live in California, you can contact our team to see if you qualify.
HealthBird Member Concierge
The rising consumer demand for physician appointments has become a nationwide challenge. As the need for online patient scheduling grows, we at HealthBird, have taken a step forward by enhancing its app to include a turnkey appointment booking feature. With this new feature, our members can effortlessly find healthcare providers, filter them according to their health insurance plan, in our out of network, zip codes, and book, cancel, or reschedule appointments directly from the app.
Yes! Just a few taps away!
What HealthBird's New Feature Offers
Our appointment booking feature is the next-generation solution that addresses the rising demand for convenient healthcare services.
Key Benefits:
Find the Right Provider: Our app enables you to search and filter doctors based on the health insurance plans they accept, location, specialty, reviews, and contact information. No more scrolling through endless lists or making countless phone calls.
- Effortless Booking: With just a few taps, you can request your appointment, cancel it if necessary, or reschedule without the hassle of calling the office.
- Free Access: The best part? You get free access to the app when enrolled in any insurance product through HealthBird. We believe that managing your healthcare should be easy and accessible to everyone.
In conclusion, HealthBird is committed to simplifying the healthcare experience for you. Our enhanced app with the turnkey appointment booking feature puts the power in your hands. Say goodbye to the frustration of scheduling appointments and say hello to the future of healthcare management.
So why wait?
Download the HealthBird app today and take the first step in taking control of your healthcare journey. Experience the convenience of digital app booking and make your healthcare decisions with ease.
What is a Government Health Insurance Subsidy?
A government health insurance subsidy is a valuable form of financial assistance designed to reduce the cost of healthcare for individuals and families. These subsidies are typically provided by the government to lower health insurance premiums for eligible individuals, based on their income and other qualifying factors.
Who Qualifies for Government Subsidies?
Eligibility for government health insurance subsidies primarily hinges on your household income and size relative to the federal poverty level. Generally, if your income falls within the range of 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for various forms of subsidy assistance.
Types of Government Subsidies:
- Premium Tax Credits: Premium tax credits are the most common type of government subsidy, aimed at reducing your monthly premium expenses. The amount you receive depends on your income, with lower incomes receiving higher subsidies.
- Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR): These subsidies effectively lower your healthcare costs by reducing deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance expenses. CSRs are available to individuals who opt for Silver plans and have an income ranging from 100% to 250% of the federal poverty level.
How Do Government Subsidies Work?
When you apply for insurance through HealthBird, our advanced AI tool, Costa, evaluates your income and other relevant factors to determine your eligibility for government subsidies. If you qualify, the subsidy is directly applied to your monthly premiums, resulting in reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
Why Are Government Subsidies Important?
Government subsidies play a pivotal role in making health insurance more accessible and affordable. They ensure that a broader spectrum of individuals can access the healthcare they need without encountering financial burdens.
Is the $6,400 Subsidy a Scam?
No, the $6,400 subsidy is not a scam, but certain advertisements might be misleading. It's crucial to understand how government health insurance subsidies, including the $6,400 subsidy for some individuals, actually work.
How it Works:
It's essential to recognize that government health insurance subsidies are not provided as direct payments or checks to individuals. Instead, these government subsidies are specifically designed to reduce the cost of health insurance coverage. For eligible individuals, this subsidy can reach up to $6,400 annually, effectively lessening the financial burden of healthcare expenses.But some may qualify only for certain portion of that subsidy.
To assess your eligibility and gain a clear understanding of how it can significantly reduce your healthcare costs, you should evaluate your income and other qualifying factors when exploring health insurance options.
One of the fastest ways to do that is through HealthBird's user-friendly platform and AI tool, Costa. These government subsidies directly apply to your health insurance premiums, making coverage more affordable and accessible for those who qualify. So, rest assured that the $6,400 subsidy is a legitimate and beneficial program designed to make health insurance more affordable for eligible individuals and families.
Comprehending and leveraging government health insurance subsidies can significantly lower the cost of your healthcare. At HealthBird, we are committed to simplifying the insurance process and assisting you in finding the best coverage at an affordable price.
Remember, our dedicated team is always available to help you navigate these options and maximize the benefits you're entitled to.
Are you ready to explore your government subsidy options?
Fill out HealthBird’s quick application to kickstart your journey. Our user-friendly platform, coupled with our advanced AI tool, is poised to guide you through every step.
Let's simplify and make health insurance more affordable together!