The Public Charge is Here and We Have the Solutions

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After many threats and lawsuits the Supreme Court finally made the Public Charge valid.  This has huge ramifications for new and potential immigants.  At E&M Global Insurance we have been seeking solutions for some time to this problem.  We have put together together some domestic and international solutions below:

Domestic Health Insurance

In certain states a non-ACA (Affordable Care Act) plan can be purchased.  These pl the United States.  These are considered short term plans and vary in length from anywhere from 1 month to 3 years.  Depending on the state plans can be renewed

  • The recommended carrier for this is National General (Aetna). They do not require a Social Security Number and or have a requirement that the individual be in the United States for 12 months before coverage can be issued.

Domestic Solutions Are Available in the Following States:

AL, AR, AZ, DC, FL, GA, IA, IN,  IL, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, ND, NV, OH, OK, PA,  SC, SD, TN, TX,  UT, VA, WI, WV and WY.

ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans can be purchase during open enrollment or with a Special Election Period during the year.  This would cover all pre-existing conditions.  Most carriers do require a Social Security or Tax ID #.  Clients could apply for a subsidy to offset some of the costs, but we are unsure if that would be considered a Public Charge.

 

International Health Insurance

  • Available in All 50 States
  • Plans do Not Require a Social Security Number.

For International Health Insurance Plans coverage can be purchased before an induvial is in the United States.  Plans do not have waiting periods but are subject to medical history.

  • Recommended Carriers for International Coverage are Cigna Global and GeoBlue.
  • Cigna Global does offer a guaranteed issue ACA plan for certain Visa Types (E, H, O, R, etc.). For a complete list please contact us.

If you have any questions, please let us know.  We are here to help.

We Have Health Solutions for Trump’s Health Insurance Visa Proclamation

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On Friday, October 6th, 2019, President Donald Trump announced that immigrants who wish to obtain a visa to come to the United States must be able to prove that they can obtain health insurance before they will be issued a visa. In an attempt to curb the cost that falls on American taxpayers due to medical cost of migrants who enter the country and either fall ill or become injured, the President has put requirements in place that will make obtaining a visa an even more difficult, lengthy and costly process. Individuals who are hopeful of acquiring a visa must either have insurance upon entering the country, be able to obtain insurance within 30 days of arrival or have proof of the ability to pay for any medical expenses that they may incur while in the United States.

We at E&M Global Insurance have the resources and expertise needed to help any foreign nationals wishing to obtain a visa. As premier sponsors for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, we work closely with countless attorneys helping to assist their immigrant clients to get them an insurance plan that fits their needs and can help them gain entry into America.

We have plans that satisfy the proclamation that individuals can get before they get to the United States.

In addition, we are one of only seven agencies that are able to offer a guaranteed issued Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan throughout the entire year.

The current administration is tightening down on immigration laws and regulations each day. Do not miss your opportunity to begin a new life in America. Get in contact with E&M Global Insurance today and speak with one of our healthcare experts to find a plan that works for you. Visit emglobalinsurance.com for more details on how you can take the first step toward getting the coverage you need.

The “Public Charge” and Health Insurance

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The term “public charge” is one that may only be familiar to immigrants or families of immigrants in the United States. Essentially, when someone reaches “public charge” status, they are likely to become completely dependent on the government to sustain them. Immigrants who are at risk of being considered a “public charge” can be denied entry into the U.S. and immigrants who already reside in the U.S. can have their ability to become a Legal Permanent Resident denied as well.

In August of this year, the Trump administration has made changes to the “public charge” policy, expanding the definition of who may or may not fall under this categorization. Things like family status, medical history and health, the individual’s age, financial resources, education, and whether or not the person has any skills that could benefit the U.S economy are all taken into consideration before entry into the U.S or renewal of LPR (Legal Permanent Resident Status) can be approved.

Another one of the major effects of these changes is that if a person applies for entry into the U.S and they do not currently have medical insurance, they can be considered a “public charge” due to the risk of them falling ill or getting injured and the cost of the medical bill falling on the American taxpayer. Many of the circumstances that are considered before an individual can be granted entry into America are unavoidable. Financial status, age, and education may be out of someone’s control by the time they immigrate and these may count against them in an evaluation.

Purchasing a non-subsidized private health insurance plan is one thing that they can do in order to have a better chance of not being considered a “public charge” and losing the opportunity to start a new life in America. If an individual enters the U.S with a private insurance plan, this shows DHS that they will not become a burden on the taxpayers and is viewed only as a positive in the application process.

As leaders in the international insurance industry, E&M Global Insurance foresaw these changes taking place. We partnered up with all of the major carriers and are able to get a policy approved as soon as possible. We are premier sponsors of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), working closely with immigration attorneys to ensure that their clients are not denied entry into the U.S due to inadequate insurance. Any individual who is looking to immigrate to the United States should take the first step toward securing their application and visit EMGlobalInsurance.com.

Can Loans or Gifts Count as Source of Funds for E-2 Visa?

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In order to get a Visa in the United States you must show a substantial investment. In addition you HAVE to show where the money is coming from.

Gifts can count as long as the person gifting you the money can show where the funds come from.

Loans are never recommended from a US Bank! A loan from a foreign bank can be used if its secured from real estate or personal items with a high value. If no security behind it the US Embassy will look unfavorably.

Taking a Closer Look at the GeoBlue Xplorer in the United States

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In the United States the Blue Cross and Blue Shield name is widely recognized to be of value and utmost quality. The problem though are coverage areas. A plan with Florida Blue wont’ be accepted in South Carolina. Same with a policy from Blue Cross of Arizona taken in Georgia. Yet there remains a solution in the form of the GeoBlue Xplorer product.

Network:

GeoBlue uses the Blue Card PPO/EPO. This is the largest Blue Cross network in the nation and includes such places as Sloan Kettering, Mount Sinai and the Mayo Clinic. You can search through the network here: BCBS.COM

Deductibles:

The GeoBlue Xplorer plan offers a choice of four deductibles. They are $0, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. All have co-insurance and a maximum out of pocket. Like ACA plans there are no caps with GeoBlue.

Why We Like the GeoBlue Product

• Physician Office Visits with Just a $30 Copay including specialists.
• No waiting periods for preventative care services.
• The Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion can be waived under certain circumstances.
• No pre-certification for inpatient and outpatient care.
• Direct billing of most providers.
• The strength of the brand. Blue Cross and Blue Shield is nationally        recognized.

Few things We Dislike

  • The prescription coverage has a limit of $1,000 maximum for life. Clients have the option to bump this to $25,000 but the premium will be considerably more expensive.
  • Limits of $50 max per each visit for Physical/Occupational Therapy.

In conclusion the GeoBlue Xplorer product is a fantastic option for those looking for quality care.  Benefits are robust and you have a network that is superb.  E&M Global is proud to work with GeoBlue. 

Are New Legal Permanent Residents Eligible for Medicare or ACA?

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As a sponsor of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) we frequently are asked what medical plans are available for their clients over 65.

Medicare Eligibility:

To be eligible for Medicare, immigrants must have worked 40 quarters, and have been issued a social security number to work under their own name that was valid. Quarters worked without authorization don’t work unless at some point the worker was issued a valid social security number in their name.

ACA Eligibility:

If the person is recent immigrant and has not accrued 40 quarters of work history, but is lawfully present, they can qualify for health care through the ACA(Obamacare). There is no five-year waiting period under the ACA and individuals could be eligible for subsides to offset the costs. We recently were able to help a couple in their 80’s find an ACA plan as they weren’t eligible for Medicare yet. The only negative with an individual getting a subsidy is a possible “public charge.” To avoid this an individual must simple forgo the subsidy.

An Update on the “Public Charge” for Immigration

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On the recent Immigration Hour Podcast immigration attorney Charles Kuck was elaborated on a situation for immigrants were being denied entry into the United States based on the public charge.

The public charge is an immigration term used to describe someone who is dependent on the government for support.

The consular officer takes into account an individual’s age, health, family status, assets resources or financial status and education and skills. In addition they can review any affidavits of support for exclusions.

The public charge itself is very broad and thus open to interpretations. And thus is now creating problems.
For example if a son wanted to bring his 80 year old parents and the son made $400,000 a year the parents could be denied based on the public charge.

The public charge is now being used to deny people their residency status.

To combat this individuals would have to get insurance “BEFORE” they immigrated to the United States.

This would include solutions we have in the ACA(both on or off the exchange or through all of the international or domestic carriers we have available.

For E&M Global we always get the question of “Will accepting government subsidies on Obamacare or the ACA effect my immigration status?” The answer we always give is we’re not sure as we are not attorneys and thus can’t give an opinion one way or another.”

We will continue monitoring the status of the Public Charge and be ready to help in case the rule is further upheld up by the current administration.

E&M Global Insurance to Sponsor 2019 AILA Annual Conference

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For Immediate Release:

E&M Global Insurance, the premier agency for international health insurance, is proud to announce that we will be a sposor of the 2019 AILA(American Immigation Lawyers Association) 2019 annual conference.

The event will be held at the Gaylord Palms Hotel from June 19-22nd in Orlando, Florida.

The conference will feature over 3,500 immigration attorneys, paralegals, law professors and law students.

Evan Tunis, President of E&M Global Insurance, “We are excited to once again be sponsors of the national AILA conference. The conference helps us keep our message of finding health insuranace for both attorneys and their clients.”

E&M Global Insurance will be in booth 315. Stop by and say hello.

The Cigna Global ACA Global Plan or The Best Health Plan on the Market That You Aren’t Aware Of

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Cigna Global is one of the premier health insurance providers for expats and individuals who travel globally.

However unknown to most is a product they offer that complies with the ACA Guidelines while offering worldwide coverage and the Cigna PPO network. The plan is such a secret that is that its not even featured on the Cigna Global website. Below we’ll do a deep dive on this product, its features and see if its something you might be intrested in.  We present the Cigna Global ACA Health Plan.

Which Visa Types are Eligible for This Product?

To qualify for this plan an indivdual must have an E, O or L Visa. Tourist Visas or illegal immigrants are not eligible. IN addition and H1B, EW, ES, RN, SD and W would be sufficient.

Can I Apply for this plan at any Time During the Year?

Yes, unlike ACA plans which offer an enrollment window of only 45 days in most states this plan can be purchased anytime.  

Does this Plan Include Wellness/Preventatvie Care Covered at 100%

Yes, like ACA plans this is included at 100% not subject to your deductible or out of pocket.  

What sort of benefits/deductibles does this plan offer?

The Cigna Global ACA plan offers a robust choice of deductibles tailored to your needs and budget.  Want a plan with a $0 deductible-not a problem.  Or on the other end of the spectrum you can choose a $5,000 options.  The co-insurance is either 20%, 10% or 0%  We prefer Option 3 the 0% co-insurance options.

What other benefits are included in this plan?

  • Hospital Charges
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Air Ambulance
  • Pathology, radiology and diagnostic tests
  • Chiropractic Care
  • Acupuncture!!!!
  • Speech and Physical Therapy
  • Pharmacy Drugs
  • Maternity
  • Cancer Care
  • Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
  • Immunization

As you can see the Cigna Global ACA is extremely robust and offers great benefits.  To get a quote please get with us.

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We Answer Your Questions about the E-2 Visa

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E&M Global Insurance is proud of its work on behalf of those born outside the United States.  Yet there is much confusion about the E-2 Visa.  While we are not experts we have rounded up the most common questions and answers.

 

  1. Can E-2 Visa Holders Format Their Business as an S-Corp?  Yes you can.  Per IRS tax purposes E-2 individuals are considered Non-Immigrant Resident Aliens.  So you are allowed to have an S-Corp as long as you satisfy the substantial test of presence defining you as a resident.

2.       Can my children work on an E-2 Visa?  No, children are not allowed to work.  They can eligible to volunteer though.

3.        Do I need to get an immigration attorney in order to apply for an E-2?  Short answer no; but it its recommended as any                    errors could result in your application being denied.

4.       Can an E-2 individual own a firearm?   This one is state specific.  But in most cases you can purchase a firearm but NOT            a conceled firearm permit.