Hi folks,

I am in a situation to buy health care insurance for my parents (67+ years) who came here in green card. My existing family insurance through my employer doesn't have option to include parents. When I dig around Obamacare marketplace, I thought my parents could be eligible for special enrollment via life events ( immigration status change) but that was denied. What other options are there? I am sure a lot of folks been to this situation where income eligibility doesn't help to get free/cheap insurance for parents. I don't see any other option but to buy individual private insurance with full premium.

Medicare is not available because of the fact that they must work at least 40 qtrs here in USA and/or established their residency in US for 5 years. How s this income thing applies to the parents who are not working? If they live in the same household, does my income apply to them and thus not be eligible for income- based healthcare? I saw somewhere in web that as long as I don't claim them as dependant in my tax, as an adult-they would be considered as a separate household. However, I can't seem to find a way to make this work - should I put zero to their income while going through healthcare marketplace?

The sponsorship (I-864) doesn't seem to prevent them getting help for healthcare though. I found this info in a blog, not quite sure if the state could mandate on their own. By the way, I m in AZ- hardcore rato ghati state....not so much immigration-friendly state unlike NY/CA
"The ACA legislation specifically says that getting subsidies and/or medicaid under the ACA i s not consider taking public funds and does not conflict with immigration rules. It also clearly states that legal immigrants can receive subsidies."

Anybody with similar circumstances - can you please chime in your experience? Thank you in advance !!