American Medical Exam, Obamacare

[saria1]

For all those who have undergone the medical exam in the USA. Is the newly implemented Obamacare covering it? I ask because we are all entitled to one complete physical a year, can this physical be counted as our one physical exam for the year?

 

[JessNess]

Absolutely not. Insurance, no matter what kind you have does not cover this specific immigration medical exam. It's an elective exam so it's out of pocket. You should not pay more than $200 though. Honestly, the small payment to get approved to be in Canada is more than worth it

 

[saria1]

I wish it was only $200. I'm seeing costs of $450+ for an adult and $200+ for a child. I only have one choice for Philadelphia area and one choice for NJ. Apparently, other countries are more reasonable. I need to call and get prices tomorrow to find out how they are in comparison and then call my insurance company to find out their policy on it.

If my insurance won't cover it, then I will hope my medical flexible spending account will cover it.

 

[JessNess]

That's extremely strange that it's so expensive. I called LA and San Diego and they were both like $200-$250 max. I had the hugest level of insurance with blue cross anthem and they still wouldn't cover it....and to their credit, why should they? It's a purely elective thing that if we want to immigrate, we have to get. I asked 3 doc offices and they said no type of insurance covers it. I heard its cheaper in Canada in some places though.

 

[saria1]

I think the sad apart about it is, that in such huge megalopolis as the Northeast, within a reasonable 1-2 hr drive in any direction, I only have a choice of 2 Dr's that are in the system. I've heard it's affordable in Canada, but thats a 7.5hr drive just to the border for my family.

I'll post the prices tomorrow. I hope the Metuchen office is more reasonable ;-)

 

[JessNess]

I totally agree its insane. I am being sponsored from California to Alberta which is probably much less in demand than people coming from the east. Those docs have a captive audience over by you so they charge so much lemme know!!

 

[aminata2010]

Insurance will not cover it, however you can use your FSA card...that is what I did..and emailed them them receipt and the paperwork from the drs office of what exactly was done.

 

[rhcohen2014]

That's extremely strange that it's so expensive. I called LA and San Diego and they were both like $200-$250 max. I had the hugest level of insurance with blue cross anthem and they still wouldn't cover it....and to their credit, why should they? It's a purely elective thing that if we want to immigrate, we have to get. I asked 3 doc offices and they said no type of insurance covers it. I heard its cheaper in Canada in some places though.

it is certainly not strange at all. i'd say if you can find a doctor to do it for $200-$250, that's great luck!

the price depends on the state and doctor. while states like california may have more than one option, some don't. in Connecticut there was 1 panel doctor and the exam cost $350 + $50 for the xray. I've also heard it's cheaper in canada, though, if you mean cheaper than $200-$250, i'm going to bet that is not at all likely.

 

[saria1]

Insurance will not cover it, however you can use your FSA card...that is what I did..and emailed them them receipt and the paperwork from the drs office of what exactly was done.

That is at least something refreshing to hear. The FSA is like invisible money since we never saw it in the first place

 

[saria1]

it is certainly not strange at all. i'd say if you can find a doctor to do it for $200-$250, that's great luck!

the price depends on the state and doctor. while states like california may have more than one option, some don't. in Connecticut there was 1 panel doctor and the exam cost $350 + $50 for the xray. I've also heard it's cheaper in canada, though, if you mean cheaper than $200-$250, i'm going to bet that is not at all likely.

Thanks for replying again, rcohen! How long was your wait to get in to see the panel Dr for your exam? I'm worried that this thing needs to be booked months in advance. It's a bit shocking the lack of Dr's available to us in the Northeast who need to undergo a medical exam.

 

[QuebecOkie]

I got mine done here in Québec (City), and I don't remember the exact amount, but it was around $340. The prices seem to vary a LOT by country and then by region of the country.

 

[aminata2010]

You asked about the health care reform..does that provide u with FSA.i thought it was only through your employer...if you have private health insurance through your employer.. i dont think you could still get insurance under the reform..right?

That is at least something refreshing to hear. The FSA is like invisible money since we never saw it in the first place

 

[katester]

I called around and got prices and time frames for panel dr's near me in NY and near my husband in Vancouver. I was already planning a trip to spend time with him, so why not check out the differences?? In NY you had to schedule 2 months in advance and the wanted $450 which included the exam, blood work and x ray. In Vancouver I had my choice of a few Dr's offices. I spoke directly to one Dr and chatted about our situation he told me to call when I had the money an he would fit me in! After calling again he said he would give me a discount. He priced it as a child exam instead of adult. So we paid $185 for the exam $25 for blood work and $50 for X-ray. The price the Dr charges seems to be only profit for them. It doesn't seem like they have to split it with CIC, or else I wouldn't have gotten the discount. The price was only on his books but the actual exam and results were filed as an adult.

 

[saria1]

You asked about the health care reform..does that provide u with FSA.i thought it was only through your employer...if you have private health insurance through your employer.. i dont think you could still get insurance under the reform..right?

There are some changes under the health care reform that went into effect whether you have private insurance through your employer or whether you bought on the exchanges. As in breast pumps, no cost, yearly exams, no cost and so on and so forth. Everyone with insurance now has all these same things. That's what was referring to. We're private through the employer, Aetna POS ii.

 

[saria1]

I called around and got prices and time frames for panel dr's near me in NY and near my husband in Vancouver. I was already planning a trip to spend time with him, so why not check out the differences?? In NY you had to schedule 2 months in advance and the wanted $450 which included the exam, blood work and x ray. In Vancouver I had my choice of a few Dr's offices. I spoke directly to one Dr and chatted about our situation he told me to call when I had the money an he would fit me in! After calling again he said he would give me a discount. He priced it as a child exam instead of adult. So we paid $185 for the exam $25 for blood work and $50 for X-ray. The price the Dr charges seems to be only profit for them. It doesn't seem like they have to split it with CIC, or else I wouldn't have gotten the discount. The price was only on his books but the actual exam and results were filed as an adult.

Ugh, that doesn't sound promising. Luckily I don't need the exams done in the next 2 months, I have time to schedule that. Thanks!