Health Insurance Options for a Friend Without an SSN
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out for some advice on behalf of a friend facing serious health issues. He needs dialysis but is currently relying on emergency room visits because he believes he cannot obtain health insurance.
Here’s a brief overview of his situation:
- He is legally present in the U.S.
- His wife is on an F-1 student visa and has an SSN through her status. He is her F-2 spouse. They are in the process of applying for their green cards but are still waiting for approval.
- He does not have an SSN or ITIN. A lawyer advised him against getting an ITIN for now, as it could potentially complicate his green card application (though I think obtaining one might help him secure health insurance).
- As a result, he lacks health insurance and is paying out of pocket for everything, which has already cost him thousands.
- He is hesitant to use government benefits, fearing it may jeopardize his green card process.
Here are my questions:
- Are there private health insurance plans available to him without an SSN or ITIN? He is open to paying for coverage and I plan to reach out to major carriers like Blue Cross or Aetna.
- Can private insurers deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions, such as kidney disease, in his case?
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s situation; it sounds really challenging. Here are some thoughts regarding your questions:
Private Health Insurance Options: Yes, there are some private health insurance plans that may provide coverage even without an SSN or ITIN. While many insurance companies require an SSN for enrollment, some may be more flexible, especially if you’re willing to provide other forms of identification or documentation. It would be a good idea to contact various insurance providers directly, as you mentioned, and explain your friend’s situation. Consider looking into companies that explicitly mention they serve international clients or those with non-standard documentation. Additionally, short-term health insurance plans may be available, but they usually won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so they may not be suitable for his needs.
Pre-existing Conditions: Generally, private insurance plans can impose waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, or they may outright deny coverage for them. However, due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance plans are required to cover pre-existing conditions if they’re offered in the ACA marketplace. However, this may not apply if your friend is looking for private insurance outside of that framework. Each insurer has its own policies regarding pre-existing conditions, so it’s crucial to ask directly when inquiring about coverage options.
It might also be worth exploring any nonprofit organizations or community health services that offer assistance—some may help with medical costs regardless of insurance status.
I hope your friend can find a solution soon and wish him the best in his health journey.