complicated

[LovingAbbey]

Okay, here's the deal. When I started graduate school I got an assistanceship that comes with insurance for me that I can not waive. This insurance is only usable at the school (1hr drive away). We have state insurance right now and now they want me to upgrade my school insurance and put difficult child on. Which means she will lose all the docs and therapists I have waited and fought to get her. If I lose my doctor fine, I'll deal with that but she can't lose hers. This just can not be happening. I don't know what to do. Does the world not understand what this will do to her status? It's not like she's stable yet anyway, but I have put together the best team I can find and they don't have specialists like these at my school. It's just a clinic, there is no University hospital or anything like that. Please tell me there is something I can do!!!! What is Katie Beckett? Does that apply?

Michelle

 

[OTE]

Katie beckett is a Medicaid waiver program. It provides specific services (depending on the type of waiver) for people who do not otherwise qualify for medicaid or for services that Medicaid doesn't cover eg Residential Treatment Center (RTC) (in some states). It's definitely something worth checking into.

I'd go back to the Medicaid office that told you to put her on the program you have with the written univ plan info you have and the phone number of the person with that plan to call. Thus explaining to them that the school program doesn't provide the kind of services, specialists, whatever that your child needs. Try to get them to call the plan themselves to understand what the plan does and doesn't cover.

At worst what you're asking them to do is to provide "secondary" insur, that is, that whatever services can be provided by the univ you will use and those that can't be provided you'll use the secondary insur. This is what happens with kids on SSI/ Medicaid or those adopted with special needs from the state. The parents must put the child on their employer's plan. But if that plan doesn't provide needed services then the Medicaid kicks in.

 

[LovingAbbey]

I called the medicaid office and started talking to someone and then they put me on hold. Transfered me to someone elses voice mail and no call back yet. The one thing I did not anticipate having to fight about is insurance. And I realized another thing, I think my job and therefore insurance is part of financial aid. It's not like regular employment. My insurance is no different than what any other student gets, it's not the same as the employee's or faculty gets. That has to count for something right?

Thanks for the suggestions and I am going to look into Katie Beckett and hell SSI while I'm at it.
Michelle

 

[OTE]

I've now spent about 2 years dealing with the Hell that is medicaid, SSI, welfare, etc. I hear you about the phone calls....they'll transfer you, "accidently" disconnect you, etc, etc. And that's after you spend hours on hold waiting for someone to answer in the first place!

It doesn't really matter how you got the insur.. from ex spouse, financial aid, employment or whatever. What matters is what it covers. You need a written brochure of what is covered, how much the premiums are, what the deductibles and co-pays are, etc.

Take it slow. You've done so much already. You'll get there.

 

[LovingAbbey]

Well, I fixed it. I didn't exactly lie but I left out a few details when I finally talked to them. I explained that my job is just like work study ie part of my financial aid and I only get the same insurance as the students meaning I would have to take her to the clinic on campus. I'm not staff or anything like that. They did not mention the family plan at the school so I didn't either. They said okay we'll pull your file and you don't have to worry about it. So I am doing the happy mama dance! Thanks for your help and support!

Michelle

 

[OTE]

Good work!