Health Insurance Without SSN
Everyone knows just how vital health insurance is. Without a valid health insurance plan, you are exposed to financial risks from paying significant doctor visits and hospital care costs out of your pocket.
You may think you cannot buy a health insurance policy without a Social Security Number (SSN), but this is not always the case.
You can still buy health insurance. These insurance policies usually cover the cost of treating illness, injuries or the cost of a hospital visit.
So, if you do not have a Social Security number (SSN) and want to buy the best health insurance, you may find this guide helpful.
This article will look at some of the best options for buying health insurance without an SSN.
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was introduced in March 2010 to increase access to health insurance, expand Medicaid eligibility in participating states, and reduce healthcare costs.
Several provisions within the ACA regulate the sale of insurance policies in the market. Hence, if an insurance provider wants to sell an ACA health insurance plan on the market, they need to ensure that they offer to cover the cost of treating:
- Pregnancy and childbirth services
- Pre-existing conditions
- Pediatric Dentistry
These are only the major additional provisions under the ACA but not everyone can qualify for the Affordable Care Act. An individual is considered to be eligible for health insurance under the ACA only if the individual:
- Resides in the US
- Is lawfully present (1)
- Is not incarcerated
Every state has an online health exchange for eligible individuals. To purchase a health insurance plan, you must be ‘lawfully present,’ which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawfully present immigrants (such as those on valid visas, holding green cards, or with protected statuses like refugees or asylees). For specific details about eligible immigration statuses and required documentation, visit https://www.healthcare.gov.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible to purchase ACA Marketplace plans or receive subsidies, though they may seek private health insurance outside the Marketplace.
US Citizens Without a Social Security Number
There are numerous reasons why many Americans who were born in the US still do not have a Social Security number. However, does this present an obstacle when buying health insurance?
Such individuals can contact their state’s health insurance exchange to determine available options, and may apply using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or alternative documentation if they do not have an SSN.
Alternative health insurance plans outside of the ACA may provide coverage, though the benefits and protections differ from ACA-compliant plans.
US Citizen Not “Lawfully Present”
ACA plan eligibility criteria focus on the prospective insurance policy purchaser being “lawfully present.”
If you are not deemed lawfully present, you are not eligible to purchase health insurance policies under the Affordable Care Act. In such a case, you are considered to be undocumented.
Individuals who are not lawfully present can still purchase private health insurance directly from insurers or through brokers outside of ACA marketplaces.
A Social Security Number does not determine lawful presence; eligibility is based solely on immigration status.
This often happens when you have been lawfully present for some time. You may have overstayed your visa or work authorization.
In such a case, despite having a social security number, you may be considered not lawfully present and unable to qualify for health insurance under ACA plans.
Health Insurance Without SSN
Now that you know the eligibility criteria for purchasing a health insurance policy under the ACA, let’s look at alternative health insurance plans for those without Social Security Numbers.
Before taking a look at the options, you need to consider several factors, as these types of health insurance plans often:
- Don’t offer to cover the cost of pregnancy and childbirth
- Don’t offer prescription insurance, but can authorize a prescription discount card, which is ideal for buying generic medicine.
- Offer limited coverage for any pre-existing health conditions
- Have long waiting periods for treating certain conditions, such as tonsil surgery
- Exclude certain health conditions also
- Have limited preventive care benefits
Regulations vary by state, but many allow alternative or non-ACA-compliant health insurance options, such as indemnity or short-term health plans.
For further details and eligibility criteria, visit your state’s health insurance exchange website.
3 Alternatives for Health Insurance Without an SSN
Now let’s check out alternatives for health insurance without an SSN:
1 – Indemnity Plan
An indemnity health insurance plan may be an option if you don’t have an SSN. It pays a predetermined, fixed benefit for specific healthcare services. For example, it may provide a set benefit for a doctor’s visit as specified in the plan’s terms.
For instance, the indemnity plan will pay around US$ 100 when you visit the doctor for a checkup.
Like any other health insurance plan, this policy has advantages and limitations.
With indemnity insurance, you can visit any doctor. These plans operate on a fixed-benefit model, although specific terms, including deductibles, vary by plan.
2 – Short-Term Medical Insurance
Short-term medical insurance is an option for temporary coverage. These plans generally do not require an SSN, offer limited benefits, and typically do not cover pre-existing conditions. They are designed to last up to 12 months, though some states allow renewals for a total coverage period of up to 36 months. However, short-term plans mostly exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, and new diagnoses related to such conditions may not be covered.
Short-term medical insurance plans offer to cover the cost of the following:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospital stays
- Ambulance service
- ER visits
- Laboratory work
- Imaging diagnostics
- Cancer screening, etc.
These types of health insurance plans can be bought with 20% lower premiums than conventional plans and cost about 50% less in out-of-pocket costs.
3 – Temporary Travel Medical Insurance
Temporary travel medical insurance is designed for individuals traveling to or from the U.S. and primarily covers health issues that arise during travel; it is not a comprehensive health insurance solution. Carriers typically exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or chronic disorders.
Conclusion
If you need health insurance but do not have a Social Security Number, your primary options include indemnity insurance, short-term medical insurance, and temporary travel medical insurance. Visit your state’s health insurance exchange website for up-to-date information on eligibility and the application process.
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