Empowering Immigrant Families: Navigating Health Insurance Coverage
Our valued clients, as we gear up for the upcoming open enrollment period for 2025, we want to ensure that all members of our community, including immigrants, have access to the right health coverage for their families. At Utah Avenue, we believe in inclusivity and providing support to everyone, regardless of their background. In this article, we'll focus on how lawfully present immigrants can navigate the enrollment process and understand which documents are eligible for submission to obtain coverage.
Open Enrollment Dates
For Marketplace plans in Utah, open enrollment for 2025 runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar and review any changes to your health coverage during this period. If you want your plan to start on January 1st, you need to have your application in before December 15th.
Understanding Eligibility for Lawfully Present Immigrants
Lawfully present immigrants, including green card holders, refugees, asylees, and individuals granted withholding of deportation, are eligible to enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. However, it's essential to have the appropriate documentation to verify immigration status during the application process.
Eligible Documents for Enrollment
When applying for health insurance coverage as a lawfully present immigrant, you'll need to provide documentation to verify your status. These are some of the most common types of the acceptable documents:
1. Green Card (Form I-551): Permanent residents, also known as green card holders, can use their Form I-551 to prove their immigration status. This document serves as official proof of lawful permanent residence in the United States.
2. Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Individuals with a valid Employment Authorization Document, also known as a work permit (Form I-766), can use this document to demonstrate their eligibility for coverage.
3. I-94 Arrival/Departure Record: The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is issued to foreign nationals upon entry into the United States. Lawfully present immigrants can provide this document to verify their immigration status.
4. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571): Refugees and asylees often hold a Refugee Travel Document, which allows them to travel internationally and serves as proof of their immigration status.
5. I-94 stamped with Asylum or Withholding of Deportation: Individuals granted asylum or withholding of deportation will have their I-94 stamped to reflect their protected status.
Other documents include the following. If you are unsure if your documentation would be qualified, talk to one of our local agents at Utah Avenue Insurance. We have multiple agents that are bilingual in English and Spanish ready to help you.
Reentry Permit (I-327)
Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (with temporary I-551 language)
Temporary I-551 Stamp (on passport or 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)
Assistance Available
Navigating the health insurance enrollment process can be complex, especially for immigrant families. Our team at Utah Avenue is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. If you or someone you know needs assistance understanding eligibility requirements or gathering the necessary documents, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Conclusion
As we prepare for open enrollment, it's crucial to ensure that all members of our community have access to the healthcare coverage they need. By understanding the eligibility criteria for lawfully present immigrants and providing support in navigating the enrollment process, we can empower immigrant families to prioritize their health and well-being.
At Utah Avenue, we are committed to serving all members of our community and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable and comprehensive health insurance coverage. Together, let's make this open enrollment period a success for immigrant families across Utah.
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