Is is appropriate to ask my senator for help w/ Medicaid problems?

Question

I'm 6.5 mos pregnant attempting to get medicaid. LONG story short, I've had a horrible time getting approved even though I know I qualify. My local HHS office has been extremely rude and my case was denied due to their slacking. I've provided all the info they need. When I try to call the state and regional office, they tell me I need to speak to the local office. I've been trying to contact the local office for the past two weeks, and they don't answer the phone. When they did answer, I got put oh hold for hours, hung up on, transferred to empty lines.....etc.

I'm running out of options and time. I've had no prenatal care and am having complications. I even went to the ER this week.

Someone suggested contacting my senator's office to see if they can help. Does anyone know if they deal w/ these kinds of problems?

jennanderton2006: I was told that I do meet the qualifications, however the office did not get the information in on time (for the second time in a row). When I try to go up there, they tell me there's no one that is accepting appointments that day.

beautifulirishgirl: You're horrible! I do NOT abuse the system. I had to quit work due to other serious medical problems and need temporary help from the govt. That's what it is there for. If you don't want to pay taxes, move to some 3rd world country. Otherwise, keep your ignorant, sad comments to yourself. Lord bless any poor child that you may have.

Answer 1

It is their job to deal with community problems, yes. So you should contact them. However, I can tell you from experience that if you actually want to get help, you should get AT LEAST 7 other VOTING constituents from your district to call and write letters/emails on your behalf. If you could get 10, it would be better. The senator and their staff are very busy and the old saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease are true, the more noise you are able to raise on your behalf, the better off you will be. Get people together to help you out.

Also, though I personally despise the one closest to my house for lying to me, you may want to check with your local Pregnancy Crisis Center or Care Center. These are religious based organizations that claim to help Women with unintended pregnancies. Basically ask them to put their money where their mouth is and help you call the medicaid office or your senator for assistance.

Best of luck!
Peace,
Jenn

P.S. You can also contact your local media, television, radio, and newspaper, and ask them to do an expose of your case. Negative media exposure is usually a catalyst for change. You can also make some signs and go stand outside of your local HHS office informing the public of what has happened. You shouldn't be at risk of arrest and protests usually work. Get others to help you out.

Answer 2

Have they sent you a letter explaining why you were denied. I am speaking from experiences in my own state (FL). Generally our HHS office sends a letter explaining the reason for denial. If they are missing any necessary documentation, etc. it would be listed in that letter. You can try talking to a supervisor at the local office if your particular case worker is not helpful.

I understand your frustration with being put on hold and hung up on, etc! Been there, done that. You can try to go to the local office and speak with a supervisor that way. If you still feel like the issue is not being resolved, try the Senator's office or the office of the Governor. There are there to serve the public. You can send a written letter, but I would also call. In the meantime, you need medical care. If you have an area Helpline or "Crisis Line" or 2-1-1, you can call them and they should be able to refer you to organizations that may be able to assist with medical care until the Medicaid issue is resolved.

All the best to you!

Answer 3

It is their job to deal with community problems, yes. So you should contact them. However, I can tell you from experience that if you actually want to get help, you should get AT LEAST 7 other VOTING constituents from your district to call and write letters/emails on your behalf. If you could get 10, it would be better. The senator and their staff are very busy and the old saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease are true, the more noise you are able to raise on your behalf, the better off you will be. Get people together to help you out.

of course you are running out of time because you only have 2 months and that is all and you have you baby girl or baby boy

Answer 4

Jenn Smithson had exactly the info I was going to tell you. Give it all a try.

Also, contact your local Planned Parenthood and ask for a low-cost or free clinic in your area.

Answer 5

You've had no prenatal care?? Your poor child. This is why women without insurance or not financially stable should not get pregnant. The only one i feel bad for here is the baby. Think about the situation you are before you have a baby is my point. Your almost 7 months with no care, no wonder your having complications. That is ridiculous.

Answer 6

instead of calling go in there. if you were denied they you dont meet the qualifications you can try your senator but dont expect to much from them

Answer 7

*sigh* Why are you having children you cannot afford? I get taxed at an obscene rate because I am single and childless. I can't understand this. I couldn't get Medicaid when I had cancer. Having children is a privilege, not a right. Keep that in mind. And for god's sake, get your tubes tied so I don't have to pay for another child.