buying aca insurance for parents entering on immigrant visa

[djx98]

I want to buy ACA insurance for my parents as they will enter on immigrant visa soon. Has anyone figured out the fastest way to get this insurance after they enter the USA? CoveredCA site asks for green card information but the green card will take at least a month to arrive after they enter. Is there a way to use immigrant visa as a substitute until green card is mailed?

[newacct]

Is there a way to use immigrant visa as a substitute until green card is mailed?

The immigrant visa has text on it that says "upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year". So yes, the immigrant visa, after being used to enter the US, becomes an I-551 (equivalent to a green card, which is also an I-551) until 1 year after the date of entry.

[djx98]

Thanks! I checked with CoveredCA and they also imply that it is ok to submit the proper green card information later.