Jill

Does anyone have experience with the American Health care system and obtaining support for elderly parents. I am thinking of inviting my 88 yr old mother to join me in USA but don't know what I would do for insurance when she needs care. I called a couple of insurance companies and they said, given her age, they don't offer policies at that risk level. A friend suggested Medicare, but I think you have to work to earn that? Any advice?

Elvira

In a word? Forget it!

Sorry, but there is simply no way you will be able to find affordable health care for your mother. (There have been a couple of threads on this topic recently - do a search).

Better spend your $$$ on frequent visits back to Blighty.

Manc

don't bother.

Celsius

Does she have an pre-existing health conditions? e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, heart condition, angina, arthritis, etc?

If she has a pre-existing condition that requires regular medication or regular checkups, especially at her age, it's going to cost a fortune.

So, unless you're a millionnaire, it's not going to make financial sense to have your mother live in the US.

Englishmum

I know someone who works for British Airways and has been here for 18 years so has dual UK-US nationality. Her mother was living alone in a flat in a sheltered care home in Birmingham but she is becoming rather frail and has arthritis. It was difficult to keep any eye on the old lady as my friend's sister lives in Milan, Italy.

My friend persuaded her mother to apply for a Green Card so she could come over and live in New Jersey....she successfully had her interview this past Summer and the US Embassy in London said that she was the oldest person they can ever remember interviewing. She was 93 years old last week!

My friend did manage to find a health insurer willing to take her on.....however the cost is $2000 *per month* :scared:

(Ironically the old lady just returned to her flat in Birmingham for a short period LOL!)

Dan@

Given her age and condition, you might want to just visit her. Most important, I would be concern about if she could handle a trip. You might want to inquire with a couple health care facilities on who they know for the high cost of insurance given her age.