H1B-Doctor's visit with no SSN...

[sapro1]

Hello folks,
I have a friend who has come on H1B Visa (work visa) and still have NOT received the Social Security Number even after applying in SSN office. She wants to go to a hospital for medical treatment.

Is there a way she could be admitted in a hospital without SSN asap? If not, is there a work around like a good private healthcare or something else for at least a month or two till she can get her SSN and be included in her company's health plan.

Thanks for the response in advance.

[orion]

Get in touch with healthcare insurance providers. There are many. Bluecross Bluesheild, Cigna, United Healthcare etc etc. There is health insurance for US visitors (who don't have a SSN), so I am sure there is a way to deal with this situation. Are you talking about health and medi care for pregnancy?

[sapro1]

Not for pregnancy. It is just a regular gynaecologist visit that is needed. She is not a visitor. She has valid H1B now.

[knowledgeable]

Health insurance

Doesn't she have health insurance from her employer or otherwise?

She can walk in to any hospital and will not be refused treatment. They may/will bill her later for the service provided but will not refuse.

If she's willing to pay cash, she can make it clear to the gynec and they will give her immediate appointment as this will be something like "cash cow" for them!

Remember, to tell her to make a deal with the gynec to get a discount if she's paying cash. Prefer to go to one from her home country so her comfort level will be high.

Ask for references.

Good luck.

[sapro1]

Knowledgeable,
I talked to her employer who said that as soon as she gets her SSN, she will be added to the company's health care provider which is UNITED HEALTHCARE. Until then, he said it is not possible.

Not sure if she can walkthrough any hospitals since all of them do not accept new patients. But I can call the hospitals and get treatment for her as suggested by you.

[orion]

I did not mean to say that she is a visitor. I meant that there is insurance even for visitors who do not have a SSN. So if you do not want to pay full price of treatment, you can consider such medical insurance for short while until she gets her SSN.

[knowledgeable]

ORION is correct

ORION is correct, she can get temporary visitor health insurance while waiting for the permanent one.

Check the IMMIHELP site for details. You can make her employer pay for the same.

Most health insurance providers who offer groups coverage to businesses give coverage to new employees based on the fact that a SSN has been applied for. You may want to pursue this with the employer.

For regular check up you don't have to go to a hospital. Visit the gynec's office. They have basic instruments and facilities for standard checks. They can have pap smear and urine check done and probably a blood test too if required. Your home country gynecs will give prompt attention and a discount on cash payments. Keep the receipt and give it to the employer!

NOTE: IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, IMMEDIATELY GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL'S ER. THEY WILL PROVIDE TREATMENT AS REQUIRED FOR THE EMERGENCY. HOSPITALS CANNOT AND WILL NOT REFUSE "NEW" PATIENTS.

[sapro1]

Orion and knowledgeable,
Thank you very much for the response which is really helpful to proceed further.