Question:
Medicaid

I have applied for medicaid in my state of Md. My husband is on Medicare and my children have medicaid. I, However was denied and told that I had to have an excess of 5,000 dollars in medical bills to qualify. My problem is I cannot get an appointment due to no insurance. I do not have to the patience or the time to sit in an emergancy room. I have severe leg problems, especially my knees. I will try anything!! My daughters are two 6 yr olds and a 2 yr. old. I want to have the energy to do things with them. I have spent many nights crying and angry because I want the surgery so bad. Me and my husband have actually fought because he can have the surgery and I cannot. He is about 400+pds. Any advice any help is appreciated.    — Sonia R. (posted on October 20, 2002)

October 20, 2002
Perhaps you should see a lawyer. It does'nt make sence that your family can be on it and you can't.
   — Danmark

October 20, 2002
In North Carolina, if your children are on Medicaid, so are you. It is a family plan. Better check further. Good Luck!
   — Kathy L. H.

October 20, 2002
You're not alone. My mom and I both have health problems and both face the same situation of no insurance, not able to obtain quality insurance, and not being eligible for medicaid (despite the rest of our family being covered by it!) What I was told was this: Federal funds are distributed in block grants to the states, from their its up to the state as to how those funds are distributed and to whom. I'm from Idaho. They have programs for children, for people over 65, for pregnant women, and for those officially disabled. The rest of us are SOL (you know, out of luck). If you don't fit into those perameters they won't provide medical coverage for you - period. If we just rented it would be temping to move. You can drive 1/2 an hour to Washington state and get coverage quickly. Plus they offer a state insurance plan, which my state doesn't. To me it doesn't seem right that funds distributions can vary so drastically state to state but then I've never heard of anyone who legally attempted to change their policies! Anyhow, I just wanted you to know that yours isn't the only state who discriminates against the working age citizens of their state in their hour of need and I hope you find your way.
   — Shelly S.

October 20, 2002
Perhaps you can apply for Social Security Disability. It's a long wait, but in the meantime, you should be able to get Medicaid if you tell them you're applying for disability. Also try to get a doctor's written statement stating you cannot work for an undetermined amount of time. Works here in Florida. If all that fails, try the Department of Rehabilitation. Good luck!
   — thumpiez

October 26, 2002
Hello, Iam originally from the Washington, DC area I relocated to NC and I know what you are going through. What I would suggest is that you swallow your pride and either go to the emergency room and let the bills pile up(which should not take more than 3 visits for $5000). Or go to your local clinic w/sliding fee scale for documentation of your co-morbids etc. Make arragnements and let the bills accumulate and take this unfo to Medicaid.Or relocate to another state. Good Luck!
   — Egypt Tashica R.