Both Jack and Bella have H1N1 and Bella's fever is still spiking high. I think I am now getting it. And to add insult to all of this I got a letter in the mail yesterday saying that as of 1/10 they no longer have insurance (backstory: J & B are on medical assistance until they are 2 years old because of being born premature and their NICU stay).... so I get a letter a day after it was canceled letting me know this. So I call their case-worker who tells me that since they graduated from Early Intervention Services they are no longer "disabled" and no longer qualify, he doesn't know why I was not informed sooner.
I am just done with today...
Re: I am about to loose it....
Holy cow! Talk about bad luck all at once. First of all, I'm so sorry they have H1N1. That must be horrible on them and on you! I can't even imagine. And the insurance this is such bull sh!t. Can you get them covered through Jason's insurance? I know its probably incredibly expensive but its better than nothing. Sorry you have to deal with all this right now.
And this just as you thought they were getting better!
Oh no, but they were just starting to feel better! I'm sorry. I hope you all feel well very soon.
I used to work for Medical Assistance (I assume they were insured through a Medicaid program?). It's been a few years, but I'm trying to remember some of the basics.
First off, if they lost eligibility for an MA program, I the caseworker is supposed to send their information to CHIP for eligibility determination so that there is no gap in the coverage. That might not be the case, though, if they were only eligible because of a disability (therefore parental income isn't considered).
Second, they're required to send advance notice. From the Medical Assitance handbook:
377.4
A budget closed with an Advance Notice will be closed effective the 13th day from the processing date of the transaction.
EXAMPLE: The CAO processes the closure of an MA budget on May 1st. The closure date is May 14th.
377.1
The mailing date for all notices (manual or system-generated) is the next business day after the transaction processing date.
EXAMPLE: On Friday May 23rd, the CAO processes a change that results in the discontinuance of MA benefits. Monday, May 26th is a holiday. The mailing date is Tuesday, May 27th.
The whole handbook is available online in case you're interested.
Do you still have the envelope the notice came in so you can check the postmark? It's possible that it was delayed by the post office, but it's equally as possible that it sat on someone's desk for two weeks before they got around to mailing it. I believe not receiving the advance notice you are entitled to is grounds for an appeal. You have 30 days to appeal any eligibility determination. If you get the appeal request in within 10 days or so coverage will continue pending the determination.
Third, if their coverage was through an HMO, it was probably already paid through the end of the month. It's a little known fact in the County Assistance Offices, but the HMO plans are paid in the beginning of the month for the entire month. There's no reason to cancel medical coverage in the middle of a month since it was already paid until the end. I think a lot of times the HMO will continue the coverage through the end of the month since they were already paid. It's worth calling the HMO to find out. If you had fee for service coverage, this wouldn't apply.
I say all this, but I suppose some things could have changed in the years since I left this job. I'm sorry this is all happening now
Good luck with everything and I hope the babies are feeling better soon!
Baby in a Blue Teapot
Tempest in a Blue Teapot, food and everything else
"You live, you learn, you drink, and move on." ~ Rotty
Oh no!!!! Hope you all feel better soon!!!! I hope you get the insurance thing straightened out with little hassle. Sorry you have to deal with all of that!