ACA Insurance Options for Expats Returning to the U.S.

Moving back to the United States after living abroad can be an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to securing health insurance. If you’ll miss the ACA’s open enrollment period, you’ll need other health insurance options until you can enroll.

Special Enrollment Period for Returning Expats

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides a special enrollment period for U.S. citizens who have been living abroad and are returning to the country. This special enrollment period lasts for 60 days after you establish residency in the United States. During this time, you can enroll in an ACA health insurance plan without having to wait for the next open enrollment period.

Accident/Catastrophic Illness Insurance

If you will need health insurance before you can enroll in an ACA plan, you may want to consider accident/catastrophic illness insurance. This type of insurance provides coverage for unexpected accidents or illnesses that result in high medical expenses. It’s important to note that accident/catastrophic illness insurance does not cover all medical expenses. Therefore, it is essential to read the policy carefully and understand what is and is not covered.

Other Options

In addition to accident/catastrophic illness insurance, there are other options available to you, such as:

– COBRA. This allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months after you lose your job or leave your job voluntarily.
– State high-risk pools. These pools are for people with pre-existing conditions who cannot get health insurance through other means.
– Medicaid. This government program provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have a pre-existing condition, the ACA prohibits insurance companies from denying you coverage or charging you more for coverage. This means that you can get health insurance even if you have a pre-existing condition.

Finding Affordable Health Insurance

If you are a returning expat looking for health insurance, there are a few things you can do to find an affordable plan:

– Shop around. Compare plans from different insurance companies to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.
– Get help from a licensed insurance agent. An insurance agent can help you find a plan that meets your needs and can answer any questions you have.
– Take advantage of tax credits. The ACA provides tax credits to help make health insurance more affordable for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

If you are a U.S. citizen returning to the country after living abroad, you have several options for getting health insurance. By understanding your options and shopping around, you can find an affordable plan that meets your needs.