Question: As far as I know in order to buy a plan from the exchange one needs to be either a citizen or a permanent resident. Does this condition still apply to the mirrored plans outside the exchange? Can anyone regardless of citizenship status still buy the mirrored plans outside of the exchange if not a citizen or permanent resident but are lawfully in the USA (visa workers, students..)?
Answer: Yes. The rules regarding immigration status are the same off-exchange. However, the range of eligible immigration statusess is much broader than you think. The Covered California paper application contains a long list of eligible immigration statuses (Attachment E, Page 26). Here are some of the more common types.
- Lawful Permanent Resident or Green Card Holder
- Lawful Temporary Resident (LTR)
- Non-immigrant status including worker visas and student visas.
Will those on student visa be eligible for Medi-Cal? I understand that they are able to apply on the exchange but since they have no income, they will not qualify for any subsidy. I can’t find answer to this anywhere.