Thai Wife Pregnant And Without Health Insurance

[chrisofphoenix]

My Thai wife came over to the US last year on a K1 visa and we married soon after. She received her permanent resident card last summer and travels with me on contract assignments for work. Last week, we unexpectedly found out that she is pregnant. Because my work is contract and temporary, I have recently dropped my own health insurance. She is currently without any insurance and we're somewhat lost on how to get some affordable medical/prenatal coverage with her "pre-existing" condition. Out of pocket insurance premiums are just way to expensive at this time for us. Are there any government resources available to her as an unisured pregnant immigrant. Are there any options for those without medical insurance who are now married to a US citizen living in the states? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[rfukata]

there should be a low cost medical insurance subsidy program offered to specific (low income, immigrants,etc)

why don't you check with your state's health and welfare department.

[powderpuff]

Have the delivery in Thailand.

[slapout]

If I remember correctly, the visa application documents note there is no state/federal benefits available for the applicant, for the first 3 years. If this is still the case, post 6, is sound advice and here she can use her 30 baht medical card.

[gotlost]

there should be a low cost medical insurance subsidy program offered to specific (low income, immigrants,etc)

why don't you check with your state's health and welfare department.

These services do exist. As stated check with your local welfare department.

[steelepulse]

As another poster suggested, why not have the baby in TH. The US system is already overloaded and in debt covering immigrants from south of the border having babies in the US.

[keeniau96]

Baby born in the USA is USA citizen. But with Thai mother can also get Thai registry and Thai passport, if such may be useful later.

Check with the country welfare service where you live, it can be done.

[samran]

Baby born in the USA is USA citizen. But with Thai mother can also get Thai registry and Thai passport, if such may be useful later.

Check with the country welfare service where you live, it can be done.

With a US and Thai parent, the child will get both citizenships regardless of where he or she is born.

Sounds like Thailand might be an option, if anything, so as to have family and support networks nearby.

[chrisofphoenix]

We had thought about flying back to thailand for her birth but I'm not sure of how late into her pregnancy she can fly internationally (even with a doctors approval). I've been reading that 32-36 weeks is the lastest that airlines will allow her to fly...and that's even with a doctors approvals. Anyone know for sure?

[Mossfinn]

I've been reading that 32-36 weeks is the lastest that airlines will allow her to fly...and that's even with a doctors approvals. Anyone know for sure?

It will depend on individual airline T's & C's, but where did you read 36 wks? That is very late.

Check how far into term she is and then you can start working on the airlines, if that is the route you choose.

[Mossfinn]

A useful Link

Most airlines are happy to carry pregnant women up to 26 or 27 weeks pregnant. After that, when the risk of going into labour increases, they may require a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to travel and confirming your due date.

Each airline has its own set of rules and a cut off point, so it's important you tell your booking agent that you are pregnant and how far along you are. They will be able to make sure your chosen airline will allow you to fly. If you are booking online, check the airline's website, as most mention pregnancy. Read more about flying when you're pregnant.

So check with your booking agent.

[kennkate]

Just how much is it to give birth in The U.S.A Would the cost be more than Flights from U.S.A ?

[Jingthing]

You are in AZ? Planned Parenthood of AZ should be able to advise you about their pregnancy services and how you can obtain care without insurance. It won't be free but hopefully you can avoid paying full retail --

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-ce...vices-26174.htm

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppaz/contact-us.htm

It will depend on what programs are available in your location. Worst case you get subsidized prenatal care and then go to the ER for delivery as a medically indigent person.

And people say we don't need health care reform in the US.

Edited January 21, 2010 by Jingthing

[cdnvic]

Three off-topic posts deleted. If you can't help, go read something else.

[britmaveric]

Go to thailand and be fruitful/multiply!!!