AlbinoBowlr

I'm moving to the Bay Area in 16 days time with my wife and two young children.

I'm having a frustrating time trying to arrange healthcare, as no HMO/PPO will consider me, as I don't have any financial or insurance history in the US (kinda shocked that no one will take my money - it's not like we a trying to obtain credit). Kaiser Permanente told me that they would cover me, but only once I have a utility bill. Unfortunately this would obviously take several months to obtain after moving, leaving my family without cover in the interim.

Does anyone know of any companies that specialise in temporary health coverage? I'm not too bothered about the cost, but after experiencing California driving during my interview process three weeks ago I want to make sure that we are covered from day 1 (4 times the UK road death rate - wow).

I should note that I have purchased US travel insurance, but the policy small print states that cover is void if I take up residency in the US.

After a fruitless evening of searching I thought I'd turn to this forum - all advice appreciated, but especially from those who have moved to the US after the affordable health care act implementation. Thanks.

GeoffM

Bottom of this Wiki page.

Hope you get a refund for the US travel insurance if you've not used it at all.

Duncan Roberts

healthcare.gov might help. Without knowing what your status will be it's kind of hard. In general people moving will either be able to get a policy visa their employer or their spouse.

SanDiegogirl

Some further info from you might help get some answers.

Are you a US citizen just moving your family back to the US? If so do you have a social security number?

You mention interview process so are you moving with a job to go to? If so, why no healthcare from the company?

You say that companies have refused you. Have you tried

www.healthcare.gov

which is the Government website for healthcover. This does not ask for credit history etc.

w

AlbinoBowlr

Yep, sure. More info as follows.

I am a UK citizen, but I do have a SSN, obtained through the green card process. Unfortunately this is irrelevant, as the issue is proof of address and financial history.

No immediate healthcare from company. This seems fairly standard, as I interviewed with, and was offered jobs at, two companies in the Bay - neither offer health care until the employee is in post until the 1st of the calendar month following 60 full days at the company. Which in my case would be 1st August, as I start on the 4th May. Too long to not have health care with two kids age 2 and under.

Yes, I have tried Healthcare.gov. It redirects me to CoveredCalifornia at which point the application stops, as my SSN does not have a history attached to it (and as an immigrant to be it wouldn't have a history). I think this is a credit check, as the error from the healthcare.gov website redirects to Experian, who are a credit referencing agency.

In terms of my spouse, she is a US citizen, but is in exactly the same situation as, being husband and wife with two kids, we live together in the UK. She does not live in the US.

scrubbedexpat099

California has its own Exchange, you need to be a CA resident to apply which is why they were asking for utility bill whatever.

Presumably the delay in being able to get cover will not result in a tax penalty,I would not bet on it.

Temporary cover is available a quick google will find such providers but bear in mind it will fall in the better than nothing category,

SanDiegogirl

Personally, I would not say this was standard with staff being brought in from overseas. However, it is what it is.

As another forum member has said, Google short term insurance and there are a number of companies who will provide this.

Here's one:

https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/sho...alth-insurance

Pulaski

It's not at all "obvious" that this would take several months. IME you will get a utility bill just a few days after connecting to water or electricity service. If you can access your utility account on line it might take as little as 24 hours. I am not sure why you think it would take a few months.

SpoogleDrummer

I'm guessing he's currently paying bills quarterly in the UK.

Pulaski

This is not the UK, for oh-so-many reasons.

robin1234

Tell me about it.

kins

Have you tried doing an online chat with Covered California? Covered California™ | Official Site | Affordable Care Marketplace then under Get Help.

Pulaski

You've not noticed previously?

Keith S

We used Patriot America when we first arrived. They specialize in immigrant Health Insurance cover. The cost was surprisingly reasonable. Don't have any contact details now, just google Patriot America.

petitefrancaise

If you've got a rental agreement for a house, you can get the utilities in your name for a switchover date at some point in the near future. You can ask the utility company for a print out of your agreement.

We recently used a bank statement printed out at the bank with a date/address on it so that my daughter could get a driving license.

It hinges on you having a rental agreement though.