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 plans may have certain waiting periods
for specific medical procedures, but they offer more cost-effective
alternatives to marketplace plans, depending on the state and its exchange
rules.
The episode highlights the existence of state-based
exchanges in some states and their potential benefits for immigrants. States
with their own exchanges, such as California, Colorado, and others, may have
more relaxed rules regarding enrollment, allowing individuals to switch plans
based on their circumstances or when they move. This discussion underscores the
importance of considering both federal and state-specific regulations.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the direct links to
Ryan's scheduling tool, his social media profiles on LinkedIn and Instagram,
and articles he has written on related topics. You can find all of that and
more linked below.
Episode Highlights:
- Diverse Health Insurance Options
- International Travel Policies
- Marketplace Enrollment
- Short-Term Plans
- Navigating Open Enrollment
- Challenges Adding Spouses
- State-Based Exchanges
- Health Insurance for Parents
- Clear Guidance
Quotes:
"Health insurance is so important."
"There's no one size fits all."
"It's so important to show to immigration, you know, to
have this insurance."
"Our goal is to help people, not just help you for five
seconds and then tell you, good luck."
"You need to bridge that gap and then be able to add
your spouse later."
"Even if they're over 65 and they're not eligible for
Medicare, they are eligible for the marketplace."
"But it's the same every year. November 1st is the
first day you can enroll, December 15th is the last day you can enroll, and the
plans start January 1st."
Links:
Immigration for Couples Website
Immigration for Couples Facebook
Immigration for Couples Instagram
Immigration for Couples Twitter
Immigration for Couples TikTok
Immigration for Couples LinkedIn
Ryan Kennelly's Article (Insurance for K1 Visa Applicants)
iHealthAgents Scheduling Tool
iHealth Agents Website
iHealth Agents Facebook
iHealth Agents Instagram
iHealth Agents LinkedIn
