My son's medicaid was cancelled while he is still getting braces treatment ...what should i do?

Question

Okay, my son was getting braces treatment for his teeth and in the middle of it, his insurance (Mediciaid, HIP ..whats the difference between them?) was cancelled, but the weird thing is MY insurance is still effective...
I want him to get the insurance as soon as possible because he's still in the middle of treatment and it will permanently damage his teeth if he stop the treatment like this. He still has the braces on him but haven't visit the orthodontist in almost 7 months.

What should i do?

I called HIP, they say to first apply for Mediciaid? (again, whats the difference between HIP and Medicaid?)

How can i do this and as soon as possible...i'm really worried?

I visit local social service and they told me to just apply for HIP and then Medicaid will become effective if HIP starts working again.

But i called HIP, and THEY said to first apply for Medicaid (how????) ...

All help will be appreciated, thanks :)

Answer 1

Medicaid is a State wide program, HIP is almost the same, the only difference is that is being handled by an HMO plan, in most cases a local HMO plan(aka: Medicaid PHP's), which processes medical and dental claims according to the Medicaid fee schedule. Depending on the State that you live in (Different states, different laws) if you apply for an HMO plan and have Medicaid, your coverage will be limited to the Medicaid guidelines. However, if you have an HMO plan and apply for Medicaid afterwards, Medicaid will become you Secondary payer, as if you had two insurances.

Doctors are not required to continue treatment should the patient, or parent/guardian (if patient is a minor) decides to discontinue treatment for financial circumstances.

Check with your local goverment agency regarding Medicaid guidelines and regulations.

Answer 2

I would first try and find out why his medicaid was cancelled. Then go from there. As far as both places telling you the other has to be filed first, ask for a supervisor so you can hopefully get the correct info.

Answer 3

Talk to your insurance company to see if they can cover him. My mom lost our insurance while my brother and i were getting braces, from 2 separate orthodontists. My brother's orthodontist had already taken all the money needed for the entire procedure from the insurance company so my brother was fine. My mom's new insurance then covered the rest of my treatment. Also see if the orthodontist has already billed mediciaid for the entire procedure.

Answer 4

Just to let you know a dentist is not allowed to stop treatment in the middle of the process. He has to complete what he started, because it can damage the teeth. Even if you don't have the means to pay or insurance.

Answer 5

You just go to your local medicaid office and tell them you need to get back on it and everything. the sooner you apply they can start your paper work and everything and get you back on. That's what i had to do. It took me a month. If your card is still active you can use it. I do cuz im in the process of redoing mine before it gets cut off. They should send you a letter saying when it gets cut off and what number you can call to get it cut back on. Hope everything goes well good luck

Answer 6

Sounds like the BUREAUCRATIC RUN AROUND!! When they cancelled his insurance, you should have appealed it immediately! Request applications from both and apply for both at the same time. Or call someone in authority! Let them know your dilemma, maybe they can help!

Answer 7

http://www.ssa.gov/, http://www.hipusa.com/marketing/marketing_frame.html