Lost Tenncare and don't know what to do

I just found out that I will lose my Tenncare on Aug. 10th and I am in the middle of my surgery routine. I have my first consult scheduled for Aug. 18th. Without Tenncare I can't afford the surgery and no one will insure me because I am morbidly obease. Where do you turn and what do you do. If any one has any suggestions please help me. I have cried and cried. It's like someone has ripped my heart out now.

Angela, why are you losing your insurance?

Angela, I am so sorry to hear about you losing your TennCare. This TennCare situation is a real mess for a lot of people. I am writing to offer a few suggestions. First of all, I think you should also post on the TN message board for some suggestions because many there are going through the same thing and may be able to offer more suggestions. Secondly, is there any way you can call the surgeon's office and explain your situation and see if there is any way they can speed things up and get you in quicker? I would also suggest you call the 800 # on the back of your TennCare card and request a case manager who should be able to help you with this process and may also be able to help speed things up on the insurance end of things. I have also heard of some people calling and begging TennCare not to cut them off til the 2nd cut off date (for round 2) which is 12/31/05, and it has worked for some people. Some are able to keep TennCare for their doctor and hospital visits, but will lose their prescription coverage. Have you tried to appeal? Appealing may buy you some more time. You may also want to call Voc Rehab and see if they can help you, I have heard they may be able help with the cost of the surgery, but I'm not sure. And last but not least, I have heard that there is a clinic in Nashville that will provide FREE medical care for working people that do not have insurance. One woman was even able to get neck surgery and it was paid for. There you can see family practitioners and specialists. I am not sure of all the details or if there is an income limit or anything, all I know is it is free for working people w/o insurance. It is open to all TN residents, its not limited to Davidson county. If you need more information about it, just email me and I will give you the name and address. I hope some of this info can help you. Good luck and DON'T GIVE UP!!!! Tammy

I know someone who has gotten a letter stating she is about to lose her Tencare and it said that she could write them a letter kinda like an apeal and state why she shouldn'tlose it and while they review her case she will continue to recieve her tencare. You should do that apeal it could help long enough to get surgery and especially if you get the office to speed things up. Best Wishes Shell