Healthcare for You
Green Card Holders
Immigrants with U.S. Citizenships
Healthcare/Insurance
What?
Why?
For Student Visa Holders
How?
There are many ways in which a student with an F1 Visa can apply for health insurance. In some cases, a student's university will automatically enroll said student in a healthcare plan. Costs per semester for a university-provided healthcare plan will vary depending on the university. But even if a student's university does not provide a healthcare plan, they can still obtain healthcare through outside, private insurers. Click here for some health insurance options for students with an F1 Visa.
Although it's not mandated by the U.S. government that international students with an F1 Visa obtain health insurance, it is a good idea to be covered anyway, and it is required by many U.S. universities. The lack of health care can greatly affect a student's studies, as the overwhelming cost of medical bills can outweigh the importance of one's education and can cause an added stress of debt and payments on top of a student's tuition. The use of health insurance can provide students with more financial stability.
If you are residing in the U.S. on a student visa it's important to understand that the U.S. does not provide universal health care. Meaning that the student is responsible for paying any and all medical costs when there is no outside health care provider.
Medicaid
​Medicaid is a program paid for by the state and federal government that helps relieve healthcare costs for people who meet their state's income and residency rules.
Eligibility:
A green card holder or immigrant with a citizenship must wait a period of 5 years after receiving their immigration status. This waiting period could be avoided in some cases if the person in question is an asylee or refugee. Some states also cover pregnant women and children holding green cards Medicaid. But this is not true for every state, so check here to see if pregnant women and/or children are applicable in your state.
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Pros/Cons:
There are many disadvantages to the program to keep in mind, including its qualification specificity, long waiting period, lower quality treatments or procedures, and possibly even the denial of treatments or procedures. But Medicaid does offer a lot of benefits to balance out the flaws, ranging from low patient copay costs, financial stability, and accessibility to care.
If you find you meet your state's income and residency rules, and think Medicaid is the right option for you, you can apply here.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, and/or the disabled.
There are a few parts of Medicare:
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Part A: Hospital Insurance
Part A Medicare covers nursing facility and hospice care, inpatient hospital stays, and some portions of home health care. Green card holders or immigrants with U.S. citizenship can obtain Part A coverage if they or their spouse worked in the U.S. for about 10 years and if they are over the age of 65. If you have NOT paid Medicare taxes, then the monthly premium cost for part A is $458 (plus deductible).
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Part B: Medical Insurance​
Part B Medicare covers some doctors' services, outpatient care, preventive services, and the cost of medical supplies. Green card holders and immigrants with U.S. citizenship can obtain Part B coverage if they have proof of residency for at least 5 consistent years and if they are over the age of 65. The monthly premium cost for part B is $144.60 To apply for Medicare Part B click here.
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Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
Part D Medicare covers the cost of recommended shots and vaccines, as well as the cost of prescription drugs. Green card holders and immigrants with U.S. citizenship can obtain Part D coverage if they meet the 5-year residency requirement and 65 year age requirement. Then they must join a plan approved by Medicare that offers drug coverage. Monthly costs can vary depending on the plan you choose.
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Users cannot purchase Medicare for a limited amount of time, but rather they must pay for the entire year.
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More detailed information about Medicare and the qualifications to apply for Medicare can be found by clicking here.
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To apply for just Medicare click here.
Alternate Options
While other options are limited, there are a few alternate options that bypass Medicaid and Medicare if a person is not eligible. They can purchase New Immigrant/Breach insurance from a private insurer. Or buy it themselves from the US government. But Immigrants are required to sign up for Medicare or Medicaid as soon as they are eligible. If they fail to do this a fine will be put in place, making the cost of healthcare much more than it would have been originally.
Citations
“A Beginner's Guide to Medicaid.” Caring.com, www.caring.com/caregivers/medicaid/.
“Can My Immigrant Parents Get Medicare?” EHealthMedicare, 25 Jan. 2021,
www.ehealthmedicare.com/medicare-resources/can-my-immigrant-parents-get-medicare/.
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“F1 Visa Health Insurance.” VisaGuide.World, 29 June 2021, visaguide.world/international-health-insurance/international-student-health-insurance/us/.
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“Health Coverage for Lawfully Present Immigrants.” HealthCare.gov, www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/lawfully-present-immigrants/.
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Quick. “The Advantages and Disadvantages of Medicaid - Quick Claimers, Inc.” Quick Claimers Medical Billing, 28 Sept. 2019, quickclaimersinc.com/2019/09/15/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-medicaid/.
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“What International Students Should Know About Health Insurance in the U.S. | Best Colleges | US News.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2019-02-12/what-international-students-should-know-about-health-insurance-in-the-us.
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“What's Medicare?” Medicare, www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/your-medicare-coverage-choices/whats-medicare.