PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION REGARDING IMMIGRANTS AND HEALTH INSURANCE

On October 4, 2019, the President issued a proclamation stating individuals entering the US from abroad on a green card must now be covered by approved health insurance within 30 days of entering the US.  This new rule will take effect on November 3, 2019.

• Approved health insurance includes:
• An employer-sponsored plan
• An unsubsidized plan offered in a US State’s individual market
• A short-term plan effective for at least a year or until the foreign national plans to leave the US for extended travel
• A catastrophic plan
• A family member’s plan
• A military healthcare plan, such as TriCare
• A Medicare plan
• Any other plan that is deemed adequate by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Applicants must be able to present evidence to the Embassy Officer reviewing their case that the applicant will have health insurance before the issuance of the visa to enter the US.

This new rule applies to those seeking entry to the US on a green card for the first time.  Children who are under the age of 18 and entering the US with their parents are exempt from this rule. 

This rule does not apply to those who have received a green card in the past and are returning to the US after a trip abroad.  This rule also does not apply to those entering the US on a nonimmigrant visa, e.g. H-1B, TN, L-1, for F-1.