International Students And Obama Care: What's The Deal?

International students who are planning to study in the US should be aware of the health insurance requirements for their student visa. While the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) has improved insurance coverage options for students, international students may not be eligible for the same plans as US citizens or permanent residents. It is important to research the specific requirements and options available for international students, which may include purchasing a student health plan offered by the university or a private insurance plan that meets the minimum requirements for a student visa.

International students' eligibility for Obama Care

International students in the United States are generally exempt from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, for their first five years in the country. This means that international students are not required to purchase health insurance that complies with the ACA during this period. However, after five years, international students may need to apply a technical analysis, such as the "Substantial Presence Test", to determine their tax status and whether they need to buy an ACA-compliant plan.

The ACA, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, is a healthcare reform law that aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of health insurance for Americans. While the ACA does not apply to international students on student visas such as F1 or J1, it's important to note that some universities may still require international students to have health insurance as a condition of their enrolment. These university health plans may not be ACA-compliant but can still be affordable and provide similar coverage to ACA plans.

International students on F1 visas are not required to have health insurance, while those on J1 visas are mandated by the US government to have health insurance coverage. International students can purchase their own health insurance plans from private insurance companies that cater specifically to their needs, including emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and travel-related benefits like lost checked luggage and trip interruption. These plans are typically more affordable for international students and can meet the minimum requirements set by their educational institution.

While ACA-compliant plans offer a wide range of benefits, many of these may not be relevant to international students and can increase the cost of premiums. International student insurance plans allow students to pay out of pocket for certain services, such as immunizations and yearly check-ups, helping to keep the overall cost of the plan within their budget. It is important for international students to carefully review the details of any health insurance plan they are considering to ensure it meets their specific needs and provides adequate coverage during their time in the United States.

Student health plans

International students in the US are not eligible for Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA is a healthcare reform law that requires all US citizens and some residents to have health insurance meeting specific criteria or pay a fine. However, international students are generally treated as non-residents for tax purposes and are therefore exempt from the ACA.

While Obamacare is not mandatory for international students, many universities require students to have health insurance. These university health plans can be more expensive than other options, so it is worth shopping around. Students can purchase their own individual coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers plans with essential health benefits and pre-existing condition protections. Depending on their income, students may also be able to access subsidies.

Students can also consider individual plans through the State or Federal Exchange. If they are under 30, they may be able to purchase a catastrophic health plan through an Exchange, and they may qualify for Medicaid depending on their state. Students can also stay on their parents' health insurance plan, although this may not be ideal if they attend school out-of-state or overseas.

Open Enrollment Period

International students on F1 or J1 visas are not eligible for Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA is a healthcare reform law that makes health insurance more accessible and affordable for US citizens and residents. However, international students are generally not required to purchase a health insurance plan compliant with the ACA.

Now, let's discuss the Open Enrollment Period in detail:

The Open Enrollment Period is the time when individuals can enroll in or change their Marketplace health insurance plans for the upcoming year. It typically starts on November 1 and ends on January 15. During this period, individuals can visit HealthCare.gov to compare and select a health insurance plan that suits their needs. Those who select a plan by December 15 can have full-year coverage starting from January 1 of the following year. If individuals select a plan after December 15 but before the January deadline, their coverage will start on February 1.

It is important to note that the Open Enrollment Period is not limited to Obamacare or the ACA. It applies to the Health Insurance Marketplace as a whole, where individuals can explore different options from various insurance providers. This period is crucial for those who want to make changes to their existing plans or enroll in a new plan for the upcoming year.

During the Open Enrollment Period, individuals can take advantage of the assistance provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS focuses on increasing access to consumer assistance and ensuring robust outreach and education. They provide support through the Marketplace Call Center, local assistance via Navigators and other assisters, as well as Marketplace-registered agents and brokers. This assistance helps individuals understand their options, make informed decisions, and navigate the enrollment process.

Outside of the Open Enrollment Period, there are Special Enrollment Periods that individuals can take advantage of if they experience certain life events or have specific qualifications. These life events can include getting married, having a new baby, gaining a dependent, moving to a new location, or losing existing health coverage. Additionally, changes in income may also qualify individuals for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing them to adjust their health insurance plans accordingly.

Applying for coverage through the ACA marketplace

International students on F, J, Q, and M visas are exempt from the individual mandate for their first five calendar years in the US. After this period, they may be subject to ACA compliance depending on their visa status and the number of years they have lived in the US.

International students are not eligible for ACA plans or plans available on each state's insurance marketplace. However, as a student visa holder, you are eligible to enroll in a Marketplace plan. You can also access subsidies based on your income. All plans offered through the Marketplace cover essential health benefits and have pre-existing condition protections.

Some schools and universities provide their own ACA-compliant group health insurance that everyone has to enroll in. However, in order to satisfy J visa insurance requirements, they would be required to purchase supplemental emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage. Some schools may offer their own insurance but allow students to purchase a plan provided by private companies as long as it meets the school's minimum requirements, which are not the same as the requirements that make a plan ACA-compliant.

International student insurance plans are more affordable for international students. These plans come standard with emergency medical evacuation, emergency reunion coverage, and repatriation. They also include travel-related benefits like lost checked luggage, trip delay, and trip interruption. While international students may be exempt from the ACA for a time, there may be other health insurance requirements that must be met, depending on their high school, college, or university.

Medicaid eligibility

International students in the US are generally exempt from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. This is because they are considered non-residents for tax purposes. However, after their first five years in the US, international students may be subject to ACA compliance depending on their visa status and the number of years they have lived in the US.

International students typically hold non-immigrant visas such as F1 or J1, which do not meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid. These visas are considered temporary and do not grant permanent residency status, which is required for Medicaid eligibility. Therefore, international students are generally ineligible for Medicaid due to residency and visa restrictions.

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program for low-income US citizens and certain qualified non-citizens, such as lawful permanent residents (green card holders) after a waiting period. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by several factors, including income, family size, and residency status.

While international students are generally not eligible for Medicaid, there are alternative health insurance options available to them. These include university-sponsored health plans, private insurance tailored to international students, and coverage from organizations like ISO and ISI. Some companies offer individual health insurance plans specifically designed for international students, although these may not include the same protections as ACA-compliant plans.

International students can also purchase their own health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. As student visa holders, they are eligible to enrol in a Marketplace plan and can access subsidies based on their income.

Frequently asked questions