Thursday June 21, 2007
A few weeks back, I saw a short piece on the news about the state of children’s healthcare, specifically Medicaid, in Texas. It was quite timely as I had just decided not to go ahead with applying for my own children, specifically ZB. We have private health insurance, but between what we pay for coverage each month and the copays for ZB’s medicines and doctor’s visits, I just can’t afford it. In the end, I finally decided to apply b/c my child’s health is more important than my pride. I had an appointment over the phone and the caseworker ended up asking for lots of pieces of paper, some quite irrelevant IMO. For instance, if I have a letter of termination of DH’s previous employer…why would I need his last four pay stubs from said employer… 
. And the thing is, the day I went to turn in the application at the office (the most depressing place I think I’ve ever been), I brought along most of what they would need (birth certificates, social security cards, etc) and the person in charge of collecting the applications told me to hold on to it all. Guess what the caseworker asked for? Pretty much everything I had that day at the office. 
Anyway, she asked for some things that would be impossible for me to get, so I just decided, eh, screw it, I’ll find another way. Lo and behold, I got a letter in the mail last week telling me that DS is eligible for CHIP and exempt from the 90 day waiting period meaning he will have coverage starting July 1st! What a blessing. If you read the article linked above, you’ll see that some families have not been as lucky, one mother even losing her child while trying to sort out his coverage. 
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.tifiblogs.com/2007/06/21/thursday-june-21-2007/trackback/
Comments
That is great news!! although the state of public health care is so sad…
Posted by: Anonymous | June 21st, 2007 10:24
Good news..but yeah I hate how much of a hassle everything is….and getting proof of stupid things like proof of who your brother’s uncle’s cousin was (or something as rediculous of course lol), makes me want to tear my hair out.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 21st, 2007 10:31
The American health care system confuses me. Here in canada it is not perfect, but you don’t see kids dying because their parents can’t afford to go to the dr.
How much does it cost to see a dr anyway? What about an ER visit, or to have a baby or a c section? Here everything is free except drugs, dental, and cosmetic procedures.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 21st, 2007 10:49
I like the CHIP program, but of course universal health care would be way better so we didn’t have to freakin’ worry about it.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 21st, 2007 11:00
Ugh, the red tape and demands are awful! And all those kids who’ve died over this crap is just sad.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 21st, 2007 12:20
I see you have another Canadian here
Our system is by far not perfect and differs from province to province. Not allo medictions are covered but you rarely hear about children dying b/c of lack health coverage. I live in the home province of public health care…where it all started in Canada.
I’m glad you got some good news about it! I’m sorry it was such a work out!! After Kevin died and I lost our group medical insurance (which covers extras) it was just a couple of pieces of paper to apply to the next.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 21st, 2007 12:28
I can’t read that article I’m sure without crying knowing that some poor women lost a child because our government sucks ass. Glad to hear yours worked out - that’s wonderful news. Insurance is a difficult thing to get sorted out.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 21st, 2007 12:50
Stories like this make me want to run to movie theater and sit there until Sicko comes out. I just want to see how people are going to react/digest what I believe will be harsh truths about our disgusting health care system. I’m glad things worked out for you. I’ll be praying for those who are ignorant of their options and dying without resources or concern for others. Thanks for stopping Dahgurl. Hope to see you back soon.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 22nd, 2007 07:37