Posted on 06/28/2014 3:32:55 PM PDT by sneakers
I need help and advice from my fellow freepers. The situation is this: recently, son and wife had a baby. Her health care covered their family and all expenses, but they couldn't afford a baby sitter, even on their combined salaries so she had to quit, so son quit a job which he loved and they moved to be near us, He lined up a job relatively quickly, but it is seasonal and no benefits. It's meant to tide them over until he gets a better job. Baby is past due for her checkups (thank goodness she's healthy). So son and wife applied for the Chip program to get health care for baby, but are told they are making too LITTLE. So, the people at CHIP are referring them to Medicaid! Son is fit to be tied! Neither of them wants to go on Medicaid, but worry about the baby being covered.
So today, son learns that he may have a shot at a very good paying job - with benefits, but he doesn't know when the opening will come up and they may have to go on Medicaid in the meantime until those benefits kick in - assuming he gets the job. My question is - and this is what he's worried about - if he gets this job, and they are forced onto Medicaid, can he drop the Medicaid and go with the company healthcare package? I am reading that it's hard to get off of it?? This is what he is afraid of - that there is no going back if they go on Medicaid.
Please, if anybody knows, I would appreciate input from my Free Republic friends.
sneaks
He could pay cash for the services he might receive from a doctor. Otherwise just skip the stuff that’s not necessary until he can provide for it or get insurance.
They don’t have the cash. We are helping as much as we can - food, his car payment, etc. With the checkup and all grandbaby’s shots, it will be around $500. Personally, I think grandbaby will be fine, but son and wife - new parents - are worried. I just can’t imagine that they could FORCE them onto Medicaid. Could they?
Depends on what state they are living in.
Now that they are back, DIL is looking for a part time job. Mr S and I could babysit when both of them are working. If she lined up a job, that would pay the pediatricians bill. I hope they hold off on the medicaid thing until then.
UGH, I hate this whole ‘(un)affordable healthcare’ thing!!
Pennsylvania. WE have a governor with no backbone.
My guess is that if their income goes up they will no longer qualify for medicaid.
I don’t know what state you are in, but many states have (or had) health care plans for kids. I know a lot of people in NJ don’t have insurance but their kids are covered through a State program (not medicaid, which is Fed’l)
I really hope he gets the job. It’s good they are close to you now.
To ease their worries, I would just put the baby on Medicaid. Let God worry about getting off of it when the time comes. Know they did the right thing in her staying at home with the child, have faith God will take care of the rest. I know it is easy to say but God created that child and He will take care of that child.
You r a good grandparent, they r lucky to have you!
there are many clinics in our area that offer free health services and vaccination etc for kids and seniors- staffed by doctors who volunteer. Or they charge on a sliding scale. Beats going on MEDICAID
I pay cash now for my kids pediatrician since our TRICARE plan sucks. The price is not expensive. It costs a lot more when the car breaks down
” if he gets this job, and they are forced onto Medicaid, can he drop the Medicaid and go with the company healthcare package?”
I seriously doubt this. I would think he would need to report if he got a good job and get off Medicaid.
Hope that better job opens up soon and your son will get it.
What about this big obamacare deal — they should be able to get some subsidized insurance.
Believe it or not, they make too little for the Chip program in Pa.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. :-)
I guess I see how that makes sense, those are “gap” programs for people who make too much for medicaid.
I honestly don’t think you can get “trapped” in medicaid. The baby needs to get the shots, etc. And believe me, if heaven forefend something bad happened to your son or d-i-l in their current financial situation they would be immediately enrolled in medicare.
I was just on unemployment for a year, I did not feel guilty about it, I paid good money into that system for almost 40 years.
I forgot to add I will be praying that he finds a job soon. I know the stress of it all can be overwhelming, especially with a new baby.
Call the local large hospital and ask for the Business office Medicaid eligibility expert .Be somewhat assertive .
All major hospitals have an onsite person who gets recent patients signed up for Medicaid usually located in the ER.
Many times its also the hospital Case Managers who will be able to tell you about eligibility etc..
They can tell you about PA Medicaid eligibility.
Most state Medicaid plans cover only Mothers and Babies.
with the babies having complete coverage.
Yea, they can’t afford that baby. That is not our concern, Grandpa, that is yours. Now go away!
I just did some checking
Our local Salvation Army center runs a free/low cost health clinic
Our CVS pharmacy has a “Minute Clinic” that has an ala carte menu for services, minor procdeures, exams, and vaccinations. A basic physical exam is $59. My dd will have camp physical next week for $35
Our County Health department has free immunizations and vaccines for kids under age 19. $10 donation is appreciated but not required for service.
check your local area for free medical clinics or call yr county Health Department for suggestions
Yikes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.
Thank you! I’ll call the hospital on Monday. I want to know what the medicaid person has to say!
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