In this week's episode of "Navigating Love and
Immigration," the Megan is joined by Ryan Kennelly. With over 20 years of
experience as a senior benefits insurance consultant, Ryan is an expert in
helping individuals navigate the complex world of health insurance,
particularly visa holders and immigrants. Ryan helps Megan address some of the
most important questions she has received from clients, prospective clients,
and podcast followers regarding health insurance options for various visa
categories, such as fiancé visas, spouse visas, and green card applicants.
Ryan begins by emphasizing that the world of health
insurance is not one-size-fits-all and shares valuable insights into the
diverse options available to visa holders. These options include international
travel policies designed for temporary visitors, marketplace enrollment without
subsidies, and short-term plans with simplified application processes. He
highlights the often-overlooked fact that non-citizens can access the
marketplace, albeit without subsidies. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes
clear that navigating the intricacies of health insurance can be challenging
for newcomers, and Ryan's expertise helps demystify the process.
The episode delves deeper into the challenges faced by
couples attempting to add their spouses to employer-sponsored health insurance
plans. Ryan clarifies that the rules may differ based on the size of the
employer. Smaller companies with fewer than 20 employees may have distinct
regulations compared to larger ones. To address these challenges, Ryan suggests
practical solutions, such as utilizing short-term coverage, marketplace plans,
or international plans to bridge coverage gaps until the next open enrollment
period.
Ryan also shares insights into the open enrollment process,
emphasizing the significance of timing and the potential pitfalls of inadvertently
taking government benefits. He recommends applying directly through insurance
companies to avoid complications and misunderstandings. The episode underscores
the importance of clear guidance and assistance throughout the health insurance
journey.
The conversation specifically addresses the challenges faced
by couples during the process of adding a spouse to their employer-sponsored
health insurance plans. Depending on the employer's size, rules can vary
significantly. Smaller companies with fewer than 20 employees may have legal
obligations to include spouses in the plan within 30 days of the wedding date.
In contrast, larger employers often have set open enrollment periods, typically
starting in December and covering the subsequent year.
Ryan advises couples to consider short-term coverage,
marketplace plans, or international plans as temporary solutions to bridge the
coverage gap until the next open enrollment period. It becomes evident that
immigrants and visa holders face unique obstacles in navigating the
complexities of the U.S. healthcare system.
The episode also addresses the situation where U.S. citizens
want to sponsor their parents as green card holders. Although the parents may
not be immediately eligible for Medicare, they have options. Ryan explains that
senior citizens, even those over 65, can enroll in the marketplace. He shares a
compelling example of a 90-year-old individual successfully enrolling in a
marketplace plan, illustrating that age is not a barrier. However, it is essential
to acknowledge that these plans may come at a significant cost, with no
preexisting condition exclusions.
Ryan also introduces the concept of international plans
designed explicitly for seniors. These...
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