If you recently moved to the U.S., one of the first things on your to-do list is obtaining health insurance. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. does not have universal health coverage, and although Medicare and Medicaid are government-sponsored health plans, they’re not available to new immigrants.
So let’s take a look at some frequently-asked questions about what’s available for immigrants, including new arrivals and those who have been in the U.S. for a long time.
Can an Immigrant Enroll in Coverage Outside of Open Enrollment?
Yes. Becoming a U.S. citizen or gaining lawfully-present status in the U.S. is a qualifying event, which gives the person 60 days to enroll in a plan through the health insurance exchange (note that this is one of just a few qualifying events that does not trigger a special enrollment period for plans purchased outside the exchange; the special enrollment period is only available in the exchange).
Some people have access to employer-sponsored plans, and those plans also have special enrollment periods for people who are hired outside of open enrollment or experience a qualifying event. So although open enrollment—for both individual and employer-sponsored plans—only comes around once per year, new immigrants have an opportunity to enroll in coverage regardless of when they moved to the states.
So, if you enroll and are having trouble with the system that verifies immigration status, don’t just let it slide, as your coverage could be terminated if you do. Reach out to the exchange for help and make sure that your documentation is accepted.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is a full-service independent insurance agency based in Hackensack (Bergen County) and Lakewood (Ocean County), New Jersey that offers an all-encompassing range of insurance options for both individuals and businesses. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating our knowledge of the insurance guidelines for healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance, self-insurance, dental, disability, and long term care insurance, we keep our clients up-to-date with affordable plans that cover all their specific insurance needs.
