Question about health insurance for parents with green card

[JustLuis98]

I’m looking for advice regarding health insurance for my parents, who are green card holders. They recently arrived in the U.S. in November, and I’m their sponsor. I understand they cannot apply for Medicaid or Medicare for the first 5 years they reside here. My father is 47 and my mother is 44

I have a couple of questions:
1. Can my father apply for health insurance through his job (or elsewhere) and include my mother in his plan, even though she isn’t working?
2. Would they be eligible for Obamacare or get a plan from the ACA marketplace?
3. As their sponsor, is there anything I should avoid or be specific about when looking into health insurance plans?
4. Can tax subsidies or credit affect me or my parents?

[Zane]

Navigating health insurance for green card holders can feel overwhelming, but there are great options for your parents. Here’s what you need to know:

Job-Based Insurance: If your father gets a job with health benefits, he can add your mother, even if she doesn’t work. It’s often the most affordable option.
ACA Marketplace: Your parents are eligible! If they don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare yet, the ACA marketplace is a good choice. Open enrollment is from November to January, but they might qualify for special enrollment due to their recent move.
Sponsor Tips: As their sponsor, you’re financially responsible, but this won’t affect their ACA eligibility. Choose a plan that balances coverage and cost, especially if they need ongoing care.
Tax Subsidies: They may qualify for premium tax credits based on their income. They'll need to file taxes to claim them.

In challenging times, I remember the lessons of Surah Kahf in Urdu – it teaches us that patience and persistence lead to solutions. You can read the full Surah here. Start with ACA plans or check if your father can get employer coverage. If you need help, a licensed insurance broker can guide you. You’ve got this!