My sister in law is pregnant....?

Question

and doesn't have health insurance. I'm not supposed to know...but recently found out. She has another little girl that is 2 years old, who also doesn't have health insurance. She has a planned c-section for January and as far as I know has been paying out of pocket for her doctor's appointments. My husband took her to a clinic to get her shots updated over a year ago. She had not been to a doctor since before she was one for a regular check up. I know for a fact that there are plenty of shots that she has missed but what should I do about it? I don't want to overstep my boundaries but I also care that my niece is in good health. I believe she won't get government assistance because she has gotten so far behind on her first child's shots and appointments. My sister in law doesn't have a DL's or a car and sits at home all day while her husband is at work. My husband and I have always offered to help, she is just too lazy! Should I call social services on family?

Okay...First off...I am not a mean person. i love my family. I am just concerned for my niece. Second off...They could have health insurance...but her stupid HUSBAND didn't fill out the papers for work. I understand they might not be bad parents but being so lazy that your child isn't coming first in your life because you simply don't feel like going? Thirdly...My sister in law is still smoking cigarettes everyday, they use to strap my niece in the car and put her in front of the tv at night so they could go to sleep instead of staying up and making sure she went to bed. She now sleeps on the couch by the front door and they sleep in the back of the house. I sometimes just worry for her. She's real quiet..doesn't react much and sometimes just stares into space. It's like she doesn't get enough sleep. I'm just concerned and wanted some opinions. I've talked to her and offered. Oh yeah..She can get on welfare she's just too lazy to go fill the forms out.

Answer 1

Yes you should but only because you care about the kids' welfare. If she didn't have health insurance for the 2 year old, why wasn't she more careful and got pregnant again with a 2nd? *sigh* If she's this lazy, how the hell does she feed herself and her little girl? OMG! People like this should not be blessed with children! :(

Getting your shots are important, especially with a baby this small + she has to be up-to-date on her own health so she doesn't risk her unborn baby's. I really hope social services can help her with some type of health insurance for her kids. You're doing the right thing. Good luck!

Answer 2

So let me get this straight: you cheated on the wife you supposedly love with her own sister. You don't care a hoot about this sister-in-law and did not take any precautions and are now in the process of being the father of a child you probably don't care about either. Wow, that is pretty low. First, your responsibility is also towards the sister in law now if she decides to keep the child. Secondly, you have an obligation to be a supportive father towards that child. It would be nice if you could have a relationship with the child as well though somehow I am doubtful that would happen. At least you need to provide for it. Third, you need to tell your wife, ask her forgiveness and see how it goes. If she leaves there is nothing you can do, you brought it on yourself. In the future think about long term effects your actions can have before just jumping in a moment of self-centered bliss.

Answer 3

First of all it doesn't matter how far behind on shots you are as far as getting Medicaid is concerned. So have her apply. All children under 19 who meet certain state financial guidelines that are quite liberal, will qualify. Medicaid will also pay to provide transportation to the Dr; health department, lab work, WIC and any appointments to do with health issues or Medicaid.
If she won't apply and won't do the right thing, have her husband apply. Any adult that they live with can apply. If still no go, report it to child protective services. It is neglect.
By the way, they will also pay for the pregnancy for her and then birth control for one full year after delivery!

Answer 4

Is the house clean is ur niece clean not left home alone not abused well taken care of otherwise?? If the answrs yes than dont call social services....if the answers no than call!! I think you should have ur husband her brother talk to her who cares if you r stepping over ur boundaries if a childs health is at risk.

Answer 5

If you feel that your niece is in danger than talk your sister in law if she is not will to change these circumstances than I would give a call to them. But be warned, once their involved you will lose any relationship you have with her and it could get a lot worse for your niece.
Involving DCFS is not always an answer, It is an answer if the child is being abused and you need to stop it now.
I would say continue to help but definitely talk to her!
If your sister is un-employed or makes little her children should be able to get insurance through the state at least that is that way in WI and also in ILL.

Answer 6

It isn't your business when she gets her daughters shots, its a parents choice. The state would not care if she signed up for assistance and was behind on shots so I doubt that is her reason. Mayber her husband makes too much money to be on assistance. It is very hard to get on assistance at least where I live even for kids. I think that there is not a reason to call social services in this case. If your only reason it that she is pregant and not on insurance and her daughter is behind on shots that is not good enough. Most the kids in america right now are just like that, and all you would do is cause a fight between you guys.

Answer 7

Ok, right now the main concern is health insurance. So, go to the county Job and Family Services and get a medicaid application. Generally, pregnant women and children RARELY get turned away. That will cover all of their medical expenses. You can get the application sent to her. All she ahs to do is fill it out. Get birth certificates for everyone in the household and social security cards, state id's for her and her husband, proof of pregnancy provided by the OB with number of children in utero and due date. She will also need income statement. I think that is basically all.

Medicaid is a WONDERFUL program designed to help people in these situations! Please, do that much if you are taht worried-- Don't take her daughter away.

Answer 8

I wouldn't call them on her, but I don't have health insurance either. My son and I have a ton of resources in our area. I do have a job though but I fall under a certain category where I only pay $45 for his shots and regular check ups. I also have a sister in law that is the same way, but her mom enables it and lets her mooch. I would say do what is right for the kids so ignore my first sentence. A lot of health clinics have free shots for kids, and social services wouldn't turn them down for health coverage just because they are behind. If anything it would give them more inniative i would think.

Good luck!

Answer 9

noooooooooooooooo! Do not call social services on the family! That would be unforgivable and would tear your family apart! Just because she is lazy and doesnt have insurance doesnt mean they are bad parents!

I don't know what state you live in but they may quailfy for state funded insurance. Call welfare or google state funded insurance or health insurance.

Answer 10

No. Once social services is involved, you have no control over what is going on. Why not try talking to her, or having another family member talk to her. Or maybe talk to her husband. Most states have programs for health insurance for kids. There is no excuse for them not being taken care of. Good luck.