ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAfter filling I-751
After filling the I-751 is there a interview required by our local USCIS office?

Thanks
AwdboostMaleDominican Republic2013-04-10 10:34:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhy am I suddenly getting confused at this point?
My wife who arrived via a K-1 now has her green card, am I correct in believing our next step is to file another form a few months before the Green Card expires?


0MaleRussia2009-12-05 20:03:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhy didn't the daughter get a separate Biometrics appoint?
Some posts suggest a child under 14 might not require biometrics.

I am thinking the daughters card will be expired shortly, if she is not required to go for biometrics, how does she get a new card?
0MaleRussia2011-01-22 09:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhy didn't the daughter get a separate Biometrics appoint?

Just to confirm, you wrote the child on part 5 of the I-751 (not I-175) and paid the extra biometrics fee for her and didn't receive a biometrics letter?


Yes she was included and the amount was paid.
0MaleRussia2011-01-22 09:19:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhy didn't the daughter get a separate Biometrics appoint?

call the 1-800-375-5283 explain to them your daughter did not receive a asc appointment letter for biometrics,.......did you and your daugther come at the same time togather,if not then it's another time for your daughter to get appointment letter,


I did call and the lady seemed to conclude after some research that I should make an appointment with the local office to discuss it with them.

I did that and have an appointment in 10 days, but it seems lame I would have to drive all the way over there to ask "Is the daughter included or not".
They don't seem to have a phone number.

meanwhile the time approaches when the Daughters green card runs out.
0MaleRussia2011-01-22 09:16:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhy didn't the daughter get a separate Biometrics appoint?
We filed the removal of conditions with the daughter on the form. (I-175)

For some reason the notice that the paperwork was received...... and the notice with the for time and date of the biometrics only have the mothers name on the letters.

I called the help number they advised me to make an appoint with the local office, I am concerned by the time all that happens we might be past the dead line.

IN the past both mother and daughter received separate letters.

Any ideas?
0MaleRussia2011-01-21 20:10:00
CanadaCan I ship belongings to spouse before entry?
I looked into it and decided not to as you have to pay taxes/duty if your belongings arrive before you do. I used an international shipping company and they took care of everything, it was far simpler, but there still was alot of paperwork involved. If money is not an issue go for it.
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2010-01-28 05:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 part 5 for K2

yes you need to put her , if she had also conditional green card she need to be put in so that her condition can be lifted , if you dont then you will have trouble with her status :thumbs: hope this help ............. :thumbs:
one thing else do check that if she need a biometric or not if yes then you hav to add the fee of biometric of your child along $590+ bio hope this help :thumbs:



Thanks! I think regardless of age I have to pay for her biometrics...she will be under 14 at the time they receive the packet but from what I read on earlier topics related to K2 they still charge for children under 14 even though she will not be required to go for another biometric appointment!! Either way, she turns 14 in November so its safer for me to pay as I don't know when they are likely to schedule the appointment. :thumbs:
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-31 15:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 part 5 for K2

Doesn't your daughter have her green card by now? If she has her green card and has adjusted status from her K2 you'd list her PR status

Good luck



yes, we both have our 2 year greencards/marriage based, so she's listed as PR now? May I ask, what does that stand for? :blush:

Permanent resident! Sorry, I just figured that out....thanks for answering my question, i appreciate it! :star:

Edited by Kirsten UK, 31 July 2011 - 07:35 AM.

Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-31 07:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 part 5 for K2
Hi, i'm filing a joint petition to remove conditions on myself and my daughter. In part 5, where it asks for address and current immigration status for children, do I list her as K2? Sorry if it seems like a stupid question, but this section wasn't completed in the example forms......thanks for any advice! :star:
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-07-31 07:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionROC & K2 Minor is Bio Req'd???
I'm waiting for my NOA and biometrics appointment...my daughter will be 14 in November so i'm curious to know if she will be required to have one or not....
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-10 14:08:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionROC & K2 Minor is Bio Req'd???
I searched it on the USCIS website...heres the link and below is an excerpt stating all applicants between 14-79 are required to have biometrics taken:

http://www.uscis.gov...751_feb2807.pdf

The new process, as authorized in 71 Federal Register 15469 (March 28, 2006), requires all conditional
permanent residents to appear at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) after filing Form I-751 in order
to have their biometrics electronically captured. An ASC appointment notice will automatically be sent by
mail to the applicant with the specific date, time and location for biometric processing. Biometric processing
includes the electronic capture of an applicant’s photograph, signature, index fingerprint and ten-print
fingerprints. The photograph, signature and index fingerprint are used to generate the lawful permanent
resident card, if the Form I-751 is approved. The ten-print fingerprints are captured for the purpose of
conducting a criminal background check and are processed for applicants between the ages of 14 and 79.
Applicants (except for “overseas applicants” described below) will no longer be required to submit passportstyle
photographs, since photographs will be captured at an ASC.
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-04 15:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionROC & K2 Minor is Bio Req'd???
From what I have read, for a child under 14 you only have to pay for biometrics, but they are not required to have an appointment...what a rip-off!!
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-08-04 15:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionAnyone who has filed I-751 in 2011 at Vermont?
I looked at the processing time this morning and they are currently working on I-751's from Februaury 2011! :bonk:
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2011-10-22 10:19:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSemi-Approval...Need help Please!
Has anyone else had to send passport photo's for their K2? I don't recall having sent any with my applications...
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-04-23 09:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 August 2011 Filers
So I finally received my daughters greencard today, over two weeks after I received mine!! :dance:
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-07-05 15:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 August 2011 Filers
So I called USCIS today as I still havent received my daughters greencard...apparently they havent even sent it yet and don't know when they will! How helpful!
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-25 12:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 August 2011 Filers

The update I received once it had been despatched said I should receive it within 30 days of approval. I hope you get yours soon!


That was what it said online...but I just read the letter again and the letter says 60 days! I'm still waiting for my daughters card...even though we got approved the same day?!
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-24 07:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 August 2011 Filers

Congrats kirsten Uk.did your approval letter say wait for 60 or 30 days to get your card in mail?


The update I received once it had been despatched said I should receive it within 30 days of approval. I hope you get yours soon!

Edited by Kirsten UK, 21 June 2012 - 07:15 AM.

Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-21 07:15:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 August 2011 Filers
I received my green card today but not my daughters card. I have received two letters confirming we have both been approved though.... and the texts I received stating card despatch were approx 12 hours apart, so I expect her card should arrive tomorrow.
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-20 16:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-751 August 2011 Filers

Congrats !..... Finally...I have been wondering about your case a lot, it seemed like they have skipped you.

You will receive your GC probably towards the end of this month. Since you have been approved, hence now I can sleep better :)


You're funny!
Kirsten UKFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-06-15 17:42:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWhat to do with old conditional green card?
QUOTE (NickD @ Jul 23 2008, 06:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (victor&nata @ Jul 23 2008, 05:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wifetobe @ Jul 23 2008, 04:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jolie @ Jul 23 2008, 07:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello

I just received my 10 year permanent green card and I was wondering what to do with the old conditional card. Do I need to send it back to USCIS?

Thanks

Keep it as a souvenir? smile.gif


Actually I kept my expired card with me and when I came back from Germany I took out my new Green Card and the old one fell out of my wallet.( I totally forgot it was in there) The officer took it away from me saying "you should not have that".


They never asked us for that conditional card, but for what I paid for it, would like to keep it, it's worthless with an expired date on it except for the picture of my wife on it and have fond memories of when we first received it, hey, Welcome to the USA! We only had the ten year card for a couple of months now and they are going to take that back with her oath ceremony, no way to get around that, she needs that card to get that oath ceremony, but they can have that one back, her photo isn't very good and it costs only around 500 bucks and a lot a aggravation to get it. That card has a lot of bad memories with it, so they can take that one back.


We haven't gotten any green card or temporary yet, but I think for anything we get like that, once it expires or is no longer of need due to conditions lifted or citizenship, we should frame it and put it up on a wall as a reminder of all the paperwork and stuff we had to go through.

D
dj1206MalePhilippines2008-07-23 06:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionWife thinks husband married for green Card
What is he doing that makes her think he is not in it for love?
RockettaFemaleIraq2008-06-12 23:06:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionremoving conditions

Just a quick question about thte further process.
I received my greencard in Novenmber '05. It is valid for 2 yrs. So what do I apply for when my current permanent resident card expires?

Thanks
Kat



You will complete the I-751 form to have the conditions removed from your greencard. You do this up to 90 days before your current card expires. So you will file around August/September 2007.
half-pintFemaleEngland2006-06-24 17:58:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionwhat exaclty is a RFE?
I have a RFE for my I-751. I received an orange/yellow colored piece of paper asking for more evidence proving a bona fide marriage. Mine does not list any particular documentation, so I guess they just want more evidence covering our marriage.

When I submit it all I have to do is attach the colored paper to the top of it.
half-pintFemaleEngland2007-03-22 07:17:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFurther Evidence Requested
Update: I sent the RFE off on May 7th.

My green card arrived in the mail this morning! I didn't hear anything from them, just sent off my extra evidence and then my application was approved on the 18th (well that's the date on my card).

Edited by half-pint, 29 May 2007 - 07:12 AM.

half-pintFemaleEngland2007-05-29 07:07:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFurther Evidence Requested

Hey Half-Pint

Sorry to hear that you have been having some problems and I hope you can work them out. I don't have much to offer in terms of advice for removing conditions as fortunately I did not have to do it.

Just gather together all you have got as that is all that you can do.

Broma


Hey there Broma!

Long time!

Yeah you know I missed my 10 yr card by 5 weeks....kind of wish I'd stayed in the UK for those 5 extra weeks!

Hopefully things will sort themselves out, I am off to go and stay with him in 3 weeks time, so we'll see how it goes. I'm really just stuck down here because of my teaching job, which runs out in Summer, although I can renew my contract if I want to.

Take care!
half-pintFemaleEngland2007-03-07 08:22:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFurther Evidence Requested
Thanks Guys.

I went for my biometrics back in October 2006.

I can tell you that I almost missed my I-751 filing date so my application was very rushed. Initially I sent the following:

  • Joint Electricity bill 2005-2006
  • Health Insurance Documents
  • Life Insurance listing my husband as the beneficiary
  • Joint Gym memberships 2004-2006
  • Copy of my personal work file from my first job which lists my husband as spouse and benefciary for their insurance.
  • Couple of copies of family greeting cards.
  • Couple of photos of us both
  • Letters from ex-colleague inviting us to both come and stay at their house.
  • Car Insurance with both our names on it
  • Tax returns
I guess I kind of knew it wouldn't be enough, so now I am about to send the following:
  • My macys account, although primarily in my name my husband has a card and the numbers match, so I will scan the cards.
  • Further electricity bills
  • Copy of new rental lease which lists husband
  • Letter from my employer
  • 2 letters of support from ex-colleagues who knew us both personally (my husband took me to and picked me up from work everyday).
  • A written statement from my husband and I regarding the lack of "joint" documents.
  • New car insurance documents.
  • Further greetings cards from family members
  • Christmas 2006, my mum came out so I have full family photos.
  • Any extra photos I can find; luckily my husband changes his hair often!
  • Letter from old next door neighbor which verifies we lived together at same address.
  • 2006 Tax return
  • Dept of Treasury letter which notifies of me having to file for "injured spouse" because of my husband's student loans.
  • Bank accounts - we both had bank accounts at the same branch albeit it seperate, but they both list the same home address.
Even though we are temporarily seperated my husband is ready, willing and able to support me through this. As is his family. I know the proof is about entering into a "bona fide" marriage. I don;t know whether to send copies of the evidence we used whilst living in England also, he had a settlement visa there and was one year away from gaining citizenship. I still have copies of those documents.

Anyways thanks for your help everyone. It is much appreciated
half-pintFemaleEngland2007-03-07 08:19:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFurther Evidence Requested

Hi,

I just received a letter from the INS requesting that we send further evidence. I did wonder if this would happen as we dont have a lot of joint accounts. Basically my husband had horrible credit, was in debt due to student loans and we thought it would be a good idea for one of us to have good credit. We lived with his parents for the first year so we dont really have any joint accounts apart from gym mebership, health and life insurance which I already sent copies off. When we relocated to NC the lease was set up in my name as the landlord did a credit check but we have his name on a couple of things.

So right now I am busy finding anything and everything I can find, family greetings cards, letters of support from friends and family members.

We've also been going through some very rough times as a married couple the last 3 months, and we decided to seperate last week. He went back to his parental home in Cincinnati to find work and re-establish himself. My teaching contract runs out in NC in the Summer so I am stuck down here until then. We're still deciding what future we have and don't want to rush into anything. I'll be going up there durng Spring Break to talk further.

We got this letter from the INS the day after he went to Cincinnati, technically we still have a bona fide marriage albeit we have decided upon a trial seperation. Do I list this in my cover letter to the INS? Please advise.




half-pint,
could u please let us know when u submitted ur i-751 (ur receipt date. i guess u applied through NSC). i was curious about the time line. regrading further evidence, dont mention anything about ur seperation in the cover letter as u guys weren't sure at this time point and things might work out. jus gather some more photos, any hotel stays, travel itineraries u have and any gift receipts that u guys bought each other etc.. also affidavits from ur close friends and relatives will also help.



Hi,

I went through TSC as we moved to NC in 2005. I submitted my application on the 4th September 2006 and got my receipt a few weeks later. I only just got the request for further info. Hope that helps.

Edited by half-pint, 06 March 2007 - 02:26 PM.

half-pintFemaleEngland2007-03-06 14:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFurther Evidence Requested
Hi,

I just received a letter from the INS requesting that we send further evidence. I did wonder if this would happen as we dont have a lot of joint accounts. Basically my husband had horrible credit, was in debt due to student loans and we thought it would be a good idea for one of us to have good credit. We lived with his parents for the first year so we dont really have any joint accounts apart from gym mebership, health and life insurance which I already sent copies off. When we relocated to NC the lease was set up in my name as the landlord did a credit check but we have his name on a couple of things.

So right now I am busy finding anything and everything I can find, family greetings cards, letters of support from friends and family members.

We've also been going through some very rough times as a married couple the last 3 months, and we decided to seperate last week. He went back to his parental home in Cincinnati to find work and re-establish himself. My teaching contract runs out in NC in the Summer so I am stuck down here until then. We're still deciding what future we have and don't want to rush into anything. I'll be going up there durng Spring Break to talk further.

We got this letter from the INS the day after he went to Cincinnati, technically we still have a bona fide marriage albeit we have decided upon a trial seperation. Do I list this in my cover letter to the INS? Please advise.

Edited by half-pint, 06 March 2007 - 10:05 AM.

half-pintFemaleEngland2007-03-06 10:04:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionevidence for lifting conditions
I don't know!

I thought I'd post here though. I also have to have my condtions lifted. My CR-1 expires on 09/05/2006. I have a limited amount of evidence to send in as my husband does not have great credit so i really didn't want to get into the joint bank accounts etc. (he is the US citizen), likewise we rent a home so I put it through in my name. Prior to that we lived with his Mom for a year so we hardly have any bills.

I have the following:

Joint Federal Tax returns from 2004 and 2005
Joint electricty bill
Insurance policies that show husband as beneficiary
Gym memberships from 2004 - 2006
Affidavits from his Mom and Step-Dad
Copy of lease which mentions husband as occupant.

I think that will be enough...well I hope so it's all I have.
half-pintFemaleEngland2006-03-15 11:49:00
CanadaHow Canada Stole the American Dream
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jul 6 2008, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Are they like, "what in gods name is this person coming into our backyard for?" haha


If they wondered, they didn't say anything! I actually think that approaching the neighbors with beer in hand is sort of like waving a white flag....."Don't shoot! I come in peace!! I am Canadian!!"

True story: I ran into one of said neighbors out shopping the other day, and she was short a dollar or something, so I gave her one. She said "Thanks, I owe you a dollar", to which I replied "Naww... I'll just come by for a beer." You can take the Canadian out of Canada, but you can't take Canada out of the Canadian!!! laughing.gif laughing.gif
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-06 12:04:00
CanadaHow Canada Stole the American Dream
QUOTE (Krikit @ Jul 6 2008, 09:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The paying with beer thing is sooooooooo true! laughing.gif The heartwarming thing is that it is more than just paying with beer. It's the camaraderie and the bonding and the sense of "doing unto others". I'm really lucky in that I have found that exact same outlook on life here in my new neighbourhood. Everyone pitches in and helps each other out, as well as watching out for one another. It's soooooooo nice. I have the best neighbours ever. luv.gif


Well of course....... it's not "Here's your beer - now go away". Yer meant to crack that sucker open and stay a while!!! yes.gif I am teaching my neighbors this, by wandering onto their patios late afternoon, with dogs in tow and beer in hand good.gif
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-06 09:02:00
CanadaHow Canada Stole the American Dream
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 4 2008, 11:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Personally I think its nice to have the options open.


My sentiment exactly. It's a huge world, and I for one would think it a shame to feel forever anchored to just one place. It is precisely the movement of immigrants and travellers around the globe that creates diversity, opens our eyes to things we never would have known, and helps us grow both individually and as a nation - which I think is pretty cool! But I am not promoting a free-for-all of people living wherever they want, doing what they want, on their own terms. I believe in following the laws set out by whatever country in which you are visiting or living.

Even thought I'll never stop being a Canadian, and *may* oneday live in Canada again, I am now a LEGAL permanent resident of the USA. I emphasize LEGAL on puprose: I am not trying to take advantage of anything..... I am abiding by the law. To stay here with my husband, the law says that I MUST become a permanent resident, but it does NOT say that I MUST become a citizen. Hence, I abide by the laws of this country while I am here; I am thankful that I have the opportunity to live here and contribute to the on-going creation of this nation, and hope that my presence - however long or short - will leave this place just a teensy bit better than when I arrived. And I don't need to get in a preferred "future citizen" line to do that smile.gif
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-05 06:47:00
CanadaHow Canada Stole the American Dream
QUOTE (Reba @ Jul 4 2008, 09:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I like this one better Kathryn wink.gif
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-04 09:09:00
CanadaHow Canada Stole the American Dream
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Jul 3 2008, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh pegbert, one correction - Americans don't lose their American citizenship when they take out citizenship in another country. They used to, but not anymore:-). The US just doesn't 'recognize' it. A US citizen can even join the army of another country, vote in elections in other countries, and not lose citizenship unless they actually take aggression against the US through their citizenship in the other country.


That is good to know! Our current thinking is that I ought to apply for US citizenship when I can, because it will give us many more options for the rest of my life (since I'l never lose the Canadian one!) We weren't sure about my USC husband..... if, one day, we decide to go live in Canada for a number of years, and he decides to become a Canadian citizen, what will happen if we then decide to return to the US to live? Will he continue to be an "American" in the eyes of the US govt, or will they consider him a Canadian who *abandonned* his country? We thought that it would just be best for him to be a PR of Canada, if it ever came to that. Not that we have any plans to live anywhere specific in the future.... just enjoying all the options that are available to us smile.gif

L
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-03 09:22:00
CanadaHow Canada Stole the American Dream
A couple of unsolicited comments.....

First, as many others have said, I am here in the US because I love my husband, not the the country. Not that I have anything against the US, but it's not about choosing one country over the other - it's about creating a life with the person you love, wherever that may be, and making the best of it. If we decided one day to move back to Vancouver, I would be tickled! I miss skiing!!! But that also means that I'd have to leave NC barbeque, something that I've grown to LOVE! And my friends that I've made here. And the mostly-dry weather..... etc etc. It's not about Canada/Canadians being better than US/Americans. IMO, we here in North America - on both sides of the border - are so incredibly blessed compared to how most of the world lives, that we should be ashamed of our nitpicking (guilty as charged!) And I'm doubly-blessed because I now have TWO awesome countries to call "home" yes.gif

Second, regarding being "Canadian" vs "American": being born and raised in Canada, we learn from day one that, unless we *choose* to relinquish it, our homeland will ALWAYS consider us a Canadian. Doesn't matter where we go, or how many other "citizenships" we choose to pick up along the way..... Canadians are Canadians forever. My understanding is that if an American were to accept citizenship of another country, then they will automatically lose their American citizenship (correct me if I'm wrong). Combine this with the fact that so many people from less fortunate countries go through so much to attain a *better* life in melting pot America, and it is understandable that Americans naturally assume that American Citizenship is the pot of gold at the end of humanity's proverbial rainbow. It's a simple matter of what you learn as a child - it becomes part of who you are. That said, one thing that does give me a good chuckle is the reaction of Americans to my AOS process and recent PR status...... they say "Congrats! You are an American now!" Huh?? I think not wink.gif Of course, I graciously accept the congratulations, and sometimes explain that I am a PR, and that I will have to "apply" to become a citizen a few years from now, if I so choose....... which elicits some funny "Why wouldn't you?" looks..... as if I'm so fortunate that I don't have to be a Canadian anymore blink.gif In actuality, I'm fortunate that I have the opportunity to be BOTH kicking.gif

Lastly, it's easy to get into the "Who's better?" debate. Having been born and raised in a border city, I never really saw a whole lot of difference between the folks in Canada (BC) and the US (Washington). Moving to the deep south (NC, especially eastern NC), one really notices the differences. A lot of folks here have never been out of the state, let alone country. Their knowledge of Canada is VERY limited, as was my knowledge of the south. Most southerners don't have a clue where Vancouver or BC are, and many are not even sure where Canada is! The general opinion seems to be that Canadians are simple folk who live in igloos, use outhouses, and dream of becoming Americans. On the flip side, the opinion of Americans that I grew up with is that Americans think they are so great just because they are Americans!! And I personally don't see anything wrong with these opinions - cuz that is what they are : OPINIONS! People like to think that they are "better", but when it comes down to it, it's all based on your personal view of the differences. I think that a quote from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy sums it up for me:

"... On the Planet Earth, Man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than Dolphins because he had achieved so much: the wheel; New York; wars; and so on, whilst all the Dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the Dolphins believed that they were more intelligent than Man for precisely the same reasons. ..."-

Kudos to our American friends for accomplishing so much..... have at it!!! But if we "simple-folk Canadians" are known for hugging trees, picnicing in the mountains, loving our planet, and relishing in the peaceful solitude of sipping tea while watching the sun rise...... then maybe that's not such a bad thing good.gif

(from a Canadian forever, who is very grateful for the opportunity to experience a different view of life here in the US!)
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-03 08:54:00
CanadaGetting injured in the states...
Well how appropriate to chime in to this thread today...... just got a statement from BCBSNC for my latest round of *stuff* (xrays and a CT Scan)...... claim total $1023. And guess how much of that is NOT covered?? $617!!!!!! crying.gif Apparently it is applied to our deductible. So once I pay this, we will have paid just over $1000 toward our $3500 deductible. So if I go for more tests, I'm guessing they are going to nail us for another $2500 along the way? We're paying around $550/month for the both of us, through hubby's work. Between co-pays, deductibles, and premiums, we've paid probably close to $5000 thus far...... and still don't have an answer to this chest pain. Which seems like a whole ton of money for nothing. I'm at the point where I'm thinking "OK, apparently my heart is OK.... so I should just drop the tests, keep taking painkillers, and when/if something drastic happens, I'll just go the ER where the bill will be a gazillion dollars, but at least the insurance will actually kick in and make it worth it!! laughing.gif I know, I know, that is just stupid, but it's soooo hard to adjust from the Canadian system - which promotes preventative health - to this crazy "for profit" system that puts you in the poorhouse when you're just try to catch things before they progress to something serious.

I was just comparing BCBS plans online, and it seems that hubby's plan is actually not all that bad. He thinks it's cute that I fret about it whistling.gif ....... cuz he's used to it. I doubt I'll ever get used to it. No wonder there are so many sick and unhealthy people in this country..... it's just too darn expensive to be healthy!

Sigh....... the doctor is supposed to be calling me back with the next plan of attack..... now I just don't know what to say.... sad.gif It's just CRAZY!!!
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-21 15:55:00
CanadaGetting injured in the states...
I think I've figured out the co-pay thing, but what I don't understand is how one knows ahead of time if treatment will be covered or not? Case in point, I saw my GP for a sore neck. SHE sent me to physio (3 visits), I did not ask to go. That didn't work, so the physiotherapist reported back to my GP, who then (GP) sent me to the orthopedic dr. Had xrays and determined that I have DDD. Orthopedic dr sent me for a round of traction therapy. OK, so in all of this, I had to pay the co-pays only. Then, a couple of months later, I get a bill from the physio saying that I had to pay for all of it! (approx $400 for 3 - 10 minute visits). Everything else was covered, but not the physio which my GP sent me to.

So, how do you know if something that your GP refers you to will be covered or not? I would have thought that since the GP's office has my insurance info, they ought to have known whether physio would be covered..... and at least told me "This might not be covered by your insurance", and given me the option to proceed or decline. At least this was just my neck, but I can't imagine if it were something more serious, where you really don't have time to weigh the options..... if your Dr says "You need to go for a CT Scan", then I'd probably think that I ought to go!! What does everyone else do? Do you tell your Dr "thanks for the suggestion.... I'll think about it and get back to you" and then call your insurance to find out if it will be covered? I guess coming from Canada, where everything is pretty much covered unless you're told otherwise, I am just used to assuming any referred treatment is covered.

What do YOU do to avoid costly, unexpected bills?
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-21 09:17:00
CanadaApple Cider in the US?
I broke down..... I bought a six-pak of "Harpoon Cider......made from pure apple juice, freshly pressed from a blend of local apples. Enjoy!" There is no indication of *malt* anything on the bottle, and they appear to have breweries in MA and VT.

The first problem is that it's only 4.8% alc, compared to the venerable 7% of Grower's cider..... so I'm gonna have to drink a few of these babies devil.gif

Chilled it and poured it over a mug full of ice....... first impression: this is NOT Grower's!!! But it's also not a *malt beverage*, which is a promising step in the right direction, albeit still not what I'm used to. Tastes kinda like really cold, sweet apple juice. However, I came up with an idea...... threw in a teensy splash of Rose's Lime...... et voila! Much better!! I may get industrious and try extracting and adding some juice from some Granny Smith apples. Of course, that will only water it down that much more wacko.gif

The night is young....... my imagination is geared up..... and the rest of the... ahem, "cider", is chilling..... kicking.gif
pegbert64FemaleCanada2008-07-23 16:26:00