Dropped from TennCare???

Has anyone waiting to have surgery been dropped from TennCare? I have a consult date and now they are dropping me (and many others) from TennCare Medicaid. I need suggestions FAST! Worried in TN

If you get a letter taking you off TennCare...file an appeal...that will give you a total of 50 days to get everything done for surgery. Just let everyone involved with the surgery know that you probably are gonna lose yor ins. I am in the same boat !! Good Luck !!! Billie

Hi Lorrine, I am sorry to hear that. I would appeal as Billie suggested. Will you be able to finance or pay for the surgery without insurance? The Dr.'s may want that taken care of upfront. Be careful. May God be with you during this time. Always, Kathy

I'm in the same boat, surgery scheduled for July 11th. Haven't got a letter from TC yet, I heard they don't go out until the 2nd week of June. Hopefully it will be after July 11th when they throw me to the curve especially since I had to appeal 3 times and it took a Judge to finally get me approved... Also I heard that you are dropped and even if you appeal your still dropped but picked back up if your appeal is successful, which I hope is a mistake...

Ok, found this: http://www tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050605/NEWS0204/506050390 Very interesting to say the least...

I know you ae definitely covered 30 days after you get your letter. As for the 20, not quite as sure what's going on during that time, but from what I understand, you'll also have coverage then. So we all *should* be covered for 50 days with the appeal process. I'm *so* glad I'm getting my surgery next week. I hope everthing works out for the best for everyone else in this dreadful TennCare boat.

Hi Lorine, APPEAL, APPEAL, APPEAL!!! I am a case manager for a mental health facility that works with people who have TN Care. Some of my clients are going to lose their TN Care. We have been informed that they will continue to have coverage for 30 days from the date that they receive their letter. Once they appeal, they will be given an additional 20 days making that a total of 50 days. During which time they will still be covered. It is my understanding that while you are in your appeal, you will still be covered. My advice to you is to continue to appeal, even if your appeal is denied, appeal again. Also, try to apply for Medicare or Medicaid. You could also speak with your DHS case manager about your family situation as you may have other household qualifying factors that will enable you to keep your coverage such as a dependent child in the home or an unemployed spouse that cannot work due to a mental health problem or other disability. Also, if you are trying for disability benefits you can use that in your appeal as well because people on disability will not lose their benefits and/or will qualify for Medicare. Depending on your situation, health problems, co-morbidities, etc. you can apply for disability benefits. To my knowledge, being morbidly obese is considered to be a disability and is covered under the Americans with Disabilities act. Explore all of your options. Whatever you do, DON'T GIVE UP!!! Good luck to you. Tammy