Uninsured in-laws

[tulog]

My immediate family members have medical insurance through my employment, however my in-laws who arrived in the country are without insurance.

At age 57, they need a few medical things, and today I paid cash for an appointment. They'll have at least 3 more appointments coming up. These are fine paid by cash. Preliminary research indicates that crappy medical policies are available for $360+ per month. (I am not sure how much you pay to get a good policy).

A little concerned though that if they need serious care, it could be costly. One of them 'might' have some type of medical insurance in some months, but nothing confirmed yet - that might solve the problem.

What are my options?

[krantcents]

My immediate family members have medical insurance through my employment, however my in-laws who arrived in the country are without insurance.

At age 57, they need a few medical things, and today I paid cash for an appointment. They'll have at least 3 more appointments coming up. These are fine paid by cash. Preliminary research indicates that crappy medical policies are available for $360+ per month. (I am not sure how much you pay to get a good policy).

A little concerned though that if they need serious care, it could be costly. One of them 'might' have some type of medical insurance in some months, but nothing confirmed yet - that might solve the problem.

What are my options?

You can get high deductible insurance to cover the serious expenses of going in the hospital and pay for the nominal things (ask for cash discounts). The other choice is get a regular policy and they can be covered for more. The latter is more expensive by far. There is no easy answer. Are they eligible for insurance from their home country? Good luck.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Did you sign an affidavit of support for them? If so, I think you will be responsible for any medical charges if they themselves do not pay. I agree to get at least hospitalization insurance for them.

USCIS - I-134, Affidavit of Support

This probably is a long time away, but--- Any chance either of them have actually worked in the US previously and will be eligible for Social Security? If they will in a few years be eligible for Social Security, it is possible that one or both may become eligible for Medicare as well. The US has special reciprocation agreements with some countries that make some non-citizens (even without permanent residency) eligible for Social Security and Medicare. But there can be special requirements, too. If you have any inkling that it is possible one of them will be SS eligible, find some time to make an in person visit to SS to learn about it. Medicare might be something for their future. But it can be complicated to figure this out.

[JoshuaHeckathorn]

A High-Ded health insurance plan with an accompanying HSA will be your best bet. Depending upon the plan, premiums may be less than $100 per month. They're quite affordable, and then you can sock away the max each year in an HSA to cover future medical expenses.

[cschin4]

however my in-laws who arrived in the country are without insurance.

Are they US citizens? I am not sure if this matters but are there programs for non-citizen immigrants?

[tulog]

Thanks for the information.


To answer various questions:

They are permanent residents, have not worked in the US before. One of them just started a job.
I did sign an affidavit of support for them.