Citizens Rights

Hardly a week goes by that I do not learn something new. Guess that's a good thing.

I just talked with a lady visiting in the states from Australia. Her husband is here as part of an exchange program with the University of Georgia.

They are here legally.

He has a J-1 visa, she and their daughter have J-2 visa's.

They are looking for health insurance.

They have been here long enough to satisfy the residency requirements. They were covered under an employer plan but that is going away the end of this month so they contacted me.

It seems that the U.S. State Department has certain requirements for folks here on a visa. Among those being, they must have health insurance.

Not only must they have health insurance, but the deductible can be no greater than $500. The maximum benefit per accident or illness can be capped at $50,000.

Wow. That's the government for you.

We don't want you to have more than $500 in deductibles but you can stiff the docs & hospital if your bill runs over $50,000.

What kind of stupidity is that?

Want to know the real kick in the butt?

Foreign nationals here legally must have proof of insurance.

U.S. citizens are free to go without coverage with impunity (other than running the risk of losing their home, car & wages).

Who thought up that rule?

Oh yeah.

The folks in Washington.