Empowering Immigrant Families: A Comprehensive Guide to Open Enrollment

As the 2025 open enrollment period approaches, Utah Avenue reaffirms its commitment to inclusive healthcare access for all members of our community, including immigrants. We recognize the importance of providing support and guidance to ensure every family can secure the right health coverage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything from open enrollment dates to key life changes and eligibility for lawfully present immigrants, along with special considerations for those with elderly parents immigrating to the USA.

Open Enrollment Dates

From November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, Utah residents have the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to their Marketplace health insurance plans. To ensure coverage on starting on January 1st, applications must be submitted by December 15th.

Eligibility for Lawfully Present Immigrants

Lawfully present immigrants, including green card holders, refugees, asylees, and individuals with withholding of deportation, are eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace. However, it's essential to provide appropriate documentation to verify immigration status during the application process.

Eligible Documents for Enrollment

• Permanent Resident Card, “Green Card” (I-551)

• Reentry Permit (I-327)

• Refugee Travel Document (I-571)

• Employment Authorization Document (I-766)

• Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (with temporary I-551 language)

• Temporary I-551 Stamp (on passport or I-94/I-94A)

• Arrival/Departure Record (I-94/I-94A)

• Arrival/Departure Record in foreign passport (I-94)

• Foreign Passport

• Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20)

• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019)

• Notice of Action (I-797)

• Document indicating membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe or American Indian born in Canada

• Certification from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

• Document indicating withholding of removal

• Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligibility letter (if under 18)

• Alien number (also called alien registration number or USCIS number) or I-94 number

• USCIS Acknowledgement of Receipt (I-797C)

Additional documents may also be accepted. To see if your documents qualify, our bilingual agents at Utah Avenue Insurance are available to assist. The important take away is that you do qualify for Marketplace health insurance plans with lower premiums as an immigrant. Let our knowledgeable agents help you through the process to see what you qualify for.

Coverage for Elderly Parents Immigrating to the USA

If elderly parents are immigrating to the USA and require coverage, they may be eligible to be claimed as dependents on a health plan through the Marketplace, provided they have the necessary documentation. This means that you can have them with you on your plan on the Marketplace. Also, if you are offered affordable group health plan and only need coverage for your elderly parents, they may be able qualify for their own plan.

Key Life Changes and Why They Matter

As we approach the open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, it’s crucial to stay informed about any changes that could affect your health coverage. This year, more than ever, staying on top of your life circumstances can help you secure the best possible plan. Here are some key life changes to keep in mind and why they matter for your health insurance:

1. Pregnancy: Marketplace plans provide coverage for maternity care, including prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postnatal care. Reporting a pregnancy ensures access to necessary services and potential qualification for additional benefits or subsidies.

2. Income Changes: Your income impacts eligibility for subsidies and cost-sharing reductions. Reporting changes during open enrollment ensures accurate premium payments and subsidy levels.

3. Address Changes: Moving to a new address can affect coverage, necessitating a switch to a plan that includes providers in the new area.

4. Tax Filing Status: Changes such as marriage or divorce can influence subsidy eligibility and household income calculations.

5. Divorce: Reporting a divorce ensures coverage remains appropriate for current needs.

6. Marriage: Marriage alters household income and size, potentially affecting subsidy eligibility.

7. Health Changes: New diagnoses or prescriptions may necessitate changes in coverage to ensure necessary care without prohibitive costs.

Assistance Available

Navigating the enrollment process can be complex, particularly for immigrant families. Our team at Utah Avenue is dedicated to providing guidance and support at every step. Whether it's understanding eligibility requirements, gathering necessary documents, or addressing specific concerns, we're here to help.

Conclusion

As open enrollment approaches, our focus remains on ensuring every member of our community has access to the healthcare coverage they need. By understanding eligibility criteria, providing support, and addressing unique challenges, we empower immigrant families to prioritize their health and well-being. At Utah Avenue, we're committed to serving all members of our community, making healthcare coverage accessible and affordable for everyone. Together, let's navigate this open enrollment period successfully, ensuring immigrant families across Utah have the coverage they deserve.