Advantages of the EB-5 Green Card for Accessing Healthcare in the U.S.

For foreign nationals, getting an EB-5 Green Card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program brings numerous benefits in addition to lawful permanent residency. Among the most practical of these benefits is access to the U.S. healthcare system. With a Green Card, foreign investors gain eligibility for a variety of health insurance plans that provide greater coverage and more competitive rates than those usually available to non-residents.

This article will discuss how the EB-5 Green Card can improve healthcare access for foreign investors and their families, highlighting the benefits of U.S. residency when it comes to receiving full healthcare coverage. By understanding these healthcare advantages, EB-5 investors can make more informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Advantages of Healthcare Access With an EB-5 Green Card

Getting your Green Card through the EB-5 process opens many doors for foreign nationals, including access to top-quality healthcare. As lawful permanent residents, EB-5 investors can access a wider variety of insurance plans, many of which provide more comprehensive coverage at lower costs than the international plans available to non-residents.

One major benefit is the ability to explore healthcare options for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, employer-sponsored plans, and private insurance. Green Card holders often pay lower premiums than temporary visa holders, who usually face higher rates and have fewer coverage options. Through this access, EB-5 investors and their families enjoy a level of financial protection and flexibility in their healthcare choices that otherwise wouldn’t be available.

Not to mention, as a Green Card holder, you’ll have access to some of the best healthcare facilities in the world.

Eligibility for Health Insurance and Coverage Options

An immediate healthcare benefit for EB-5 Green Card holders is eligibility for insurance plans designed for U.S. residents. These plans can be more affordable and comprehensive than international health insurance plans, which can lack coverage for essential services in the United States.

Green Card holders can enroll in employer-sponsored health insurance if they’re employed. This can give them access to extensive coverage options at competitive rates. Plans available through the ACA marketplace are another option. These plans can offer flexibility for those looking for independent coverage. ACA plans typically cover essential health services, and subsidies may be available, which can reduce monthly premiums for eligible residents. Private insurance options offer even more flexibility, allowing foreign nationals to choose plans that best match their family’s healthcare wants and needs.

This range of insurance options provides a major benefit for EB-5 investors, making sure they have access to the care they need, whether it’s routine check-ups, specialized treatments, or emergency services.

Qualifying for Medicare and Medicaid

While eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid is generally restricted, certain EB-5 Green Card holders can eventually qualify.

Medicare is particularly relevant for Green Card holders over the age of 65 who have lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years. This government healthcare program covers a range of essential services, including hospital care, preventive services, and prescription medications. For retirees, Medicare can help make healthcare costs easier to manage by covering essential treatments and reducing the high out-of-pocket expenses that non-residents often face.

Medicaid, although more limited, offers coverage to low-income residents in some states. Certain Green Card holders might qualify based on income and residency duration. Medicaid benefits vary by state, but they usually include hospital care, physician visits, and preventative care.

Healthcare Challenges for Non-Residents

Non-residents, including foreign nationals residing temporarily in the U.S., often face challenges when trying to access affordable healthcare. Without lawful permanent residency, non-residents have limited insurance options and often have to rely on expensive international health insurance, which might not fully cover essential healthcare services in the United States.

Temporary visa holders might face high out-of-pocket expenses, especially when it comes to routine medical care or unexpected emergencies. These limitations can make it difficult for non-residents to plan for long-term healthcare needs.

International insurance providers usually do not cover the full spectrum of care available in the United States. This can create gaps that might leave non-residents with massive healthcare costs. Non-residents are also generally ineligible for government-subsidized programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which can make it more challenging to find affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage.

These restrictions highlight why the EB-5 Green Card is so important to foreign nationals who want dependable healthcare in the U.S., especially for families needing regular medical care.

Get Access to U.S. Healthcare With an EB-5 Green Card

An EB-5 Green Card doesn’t just provide the legal right to live, work and study in the United States—it also ensures investors have access to a comprehensive healthcare system. Knowing they have access to quality healthcare services, Green Card holders can better plan for their—and their family’s—futures with confidence.

With EB-5 industry experts to guide them and answer their questions, foreign investors can have even more peace of mind, knowing they’re making informed decisions about residency and healthcare. Having an immigration lawyer to help you through the process can add another layer of security.

If you would like to learn more about the healthcare benefits that come with EB-5 Green Card or explore low-risk EB-5 regional center projects, feel free to book a one-on-one call with our EB-5 team.