So Frustrated I Am Screaming!

[roslyn]

My husband lost his job two years ago so we moved for his new job. I can't find a job, and my husband's group policy would cost a quarter of his take-home pay. I couldn't get an individual policy because of a pre-existing condition: insulin resistance. The new national health insurance costs roughly the same amount.

When I got pregnant, I had to apply for Medicaid. Got a letter from Medicaid that said I'm approved. I'm thinking everything is good to go. Well, I get a call today from my doctor's office, my Medicaid account is inactive. I say, does that mean the doctor won't see me? And this woman responds, well you can self-pay. Okay, in what universe would I be going through the agony and humiliation of applying for Medicaid if I could self-pay? I've worked since I was 14 years old, never thought in a million years I'd be in this position.

So tomorrow I've got a doctor's appointment. No way to pay for it. I have an appointment for an NT scan with the perinatologist on Thursday with no way to pay for it. I'm 46 years old, I've had two losses and a near miss. These people are going to let my baby die over money. I served six years in the military. I worked for 15 years as a social worker. The only thing that counts is money. I hate this country so much right now I would leave in an instant if I had anywhere else to go.

[prothyraia]

:
It's probably some paperwork/red tape mishap. (you were approved- did you give them a passport/birth certificate proving that you're a citizen? there's some things like that).

Here, if you get Medicaid while pregnant, they will backdate your coverage up to 3 months and take care of outstanding medical bills from that period. Especially since you've already been approved, I would not worry over much about ultimately having to pay for your appointment.

[MaerynPearl]

Originally Posted by prothyraia

Here, if you get Medicaid while pregnant, they will backdate your coverage up to 3 months and take care of outstanding medical bills from that period. Especially since you've already been approved, I would not worry over much about ultimately having to pay for your appointment.

In Illinois they backdated to the start of my pregnancy for me.

[Liora]

I agree that medicaid usually backdates (here in Ohio too). But I'm with you on being disgusted with our country. Every time I think about the 52 weeks of (partially) paid maternity leave some of our cohorts get while I only get 12 weeks UNPAID for my pregnancy complications (I've bee hospitalized twice and I'm only 14 weeks) AND for after-birth bonding I just want to vomit! Just disgusting how little our country cares about women and children.

[KJoslyn78]

saw this through new posts

NY does 3 months back billing if you are approved of medicaid as well, so i would go to the Dr (and if you have your approval letter, bring it with you, it's likely some stupid computer/red tape issue that you may have no control over). I would call yrou local DSS office as well to find out what is going on (you were approved, but the Dr office can't bill yet). We had this issue when my oldest was born... 8 days before DH's insurance policy went into effect (she was 6 weeks premature). It was almost 4 months before her Ped's office could actualyl bill medicaid even though we were approved for her almost immedently.

good luck *hugs*

[nixnc]

medicaid will most likely back date. in addtion, go to the social services office and explain what the doctor's office told you. they can instantly tell you the problem (you may have to wait a for a bit, so go with plenty of time).

in any case--they may issue you an emergency coverage card (depending on new laws in place?) for you to give your doctor right now.

[roslyn]

I'm going to see the Medicaid caseworker in the morning. She comes in at 9:00, I'm usually there at 8:00. Last time I was there until 1:30, but they got everything squared away. I can't even begin to imagine what the problem is now. I'm just exhausted.

[myk]

that's awful! i hope it gets sorted out

[rootzdawta]

Originally Posted by roslyn

I'm going to see the Medicaid caseworker in the morning. She comes in at 9:00, I'm usually there at 8:00. Last time I was there until 1:30, but they got everything squared away. I can't even begin to imagine what the problem is now. I'm just exhausted.

Any news?

[Blanca78]

So angry for your sake! No words, really, except that I feel for you and share your rage at how things are in this country. I just read a book called Cover Me by Sonya Huber that's about her health insurance woes, particularly while pregnant. If I remember correctly there was an instance not unlike yours, where the paper work ended up being screwed up. That was after she had the baby though.

I hope everything gets ironed out.

[roslyn]

Apparently there is some type of clerical error between the system that Medicaid uses and the system the doctor's offices. As I understand it, it could be something as simple as a transposed letter or a digit off on a birthdate. She sent them an e-mail and they'll get back to her within 48 hours. I had to cancel my appointment for today with my regular OB, but with any luck all this will be straightened out in time for my Thursday appointment with the perinatologist. I'm having and NT/Triple screen and that's pretty time sensitive. It's almost impossible to re-schedule appointments with her--she's that busy, so I hope this is okay by then. Thanks a lot guys, it's so good to have somebody to vent to. I can't really discuss this with my husband because he feels badly enough that he doesn't make enough money to afford health insurance for me. Thanks again.

[Climbergirl]

I know that a few years back, Peachcare took care of my friend's pregnancy when she had no insurance. Prenatal care was considered medical care for the baby so her whole pregnancy was taken care of.

Good luck!