TRUMP-CARE for foreign-born residents
The Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obama-care” is still the law in the U.S. – Congress has NOT repealed it, and there are deadlines you shouldn’t miss. If you are Lawfully Present in the U.S., you are subject to the rule that you must have health insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you may have to pay a penalty at tax time. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you may enroll in a “Qualified Health Plan”, and you may be eligible for the premium credits and lower co-payments.
It’s important to know that “lawfully present” is not the same thing as Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). A person with LPR status has a resident alien card (also known as a green card). There are many other people living in the U.S. on temporary visas who are lawfully present, for example: U visas, Temporary Protected Status, etc. If you have lawful status, you are eligible for health insurance coverage, and you are required to get it!
The Trump Administration has set a shorter application period for this year: Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. The deadline is almost here – so check it out and see if you are eligible and can find coverage before it’s too late. If you have a change in your Immigration status during the year, it is possible that you will then qualify for insurance coverage through one of the health insurance carriers selling policies off of the exchange.
This is complicated, and it will pay to shop around and seek help with finding the best option for you and your family. As a mother with a child who is prone to injuries, I know how important health insurance coverage can be, and I encourage you to check out your eligibility, deadlines and benefits that may be possible for you and your family. If you have questions about or need help proving your “lawfully present” status, consult with an immigration attorney.
