what can I do?! - Health Insurance Issues Message Board

12chance · 07-30-2003, 03:45 AM

I'm 19 yrs old and was in a serious accident a year ago. I turned 18 three weeks before the accident, spent almost all of the money I had had saved up to move out and get a car. I applied for medicaid and supplemental income, but for some reason was told I wasn't eligible for si and medicaid won't pay back bills. I had insurance through my dad's work and they have paid out what they were supposed to, but I still have over $10,000 in medical bills and I'm not allowed to work for at least another month because I just had my 9th and last surgery. My dad's been helping with the bills, but his company just went on strike and he's not going to have the extra money. My mom's strapped too and has enough trouble with me living with her, so I know she can't help. I applied for help through the hospital as well, but they turned me down because I went home to another state and hadn't been in theirs long enough to establish reidency. It's to the point where I'm going to have to file bankruptcy, but I honestly don't know if that would even help. We're sueing the people who caused the accident, but the case won't be settled for a long time because everybody's fighting about getting the information straight. Are there any other programs I could go through to get help? I honestly don't know what else to do!

natureguy · 08-22-2003, 11:46 PM

I would suggest you talk to a local politician in your area. Sometimes government money is set aside for those unable to pay medical bills. My mom was hit by a drunk driver, so I know how you feel. Just keep your spirits up and try not to stress over the bills. I wish you a speady recovery. Take care.

***With Love And Light***

MJFrog1 · 09-08-2003, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 12chance:
. I applied for medicaid and supplemental income, but for some reason was told I wasn't eligible for si and medicaid won't pay back bills.

Hi, I noticed you are from Ohio (I am too). Actually, Medicaid does go retroactive if you are found eligible for the dates of service in question. You may want to contact your local Department of Job & Family Services for your county. At least it's worth checking.

Hope that helps a little.

Sue

MJFrog1 · 09-08-2003, 09:22 PM

Hi again,

I did do some checking on your county, I think you are in Mahoning County? If so, I've posted the phone numbers for agencies:

Mahoning County CSEA
Delores Crawford Administrator
112 West Commerce Street
P.O. Box 119
Youngstown, Ohio 44501-0119
CSEA Phone: (330) 740-2073/2-5825, 1-800-528-9511
CSEA Fax: (330) 742-5824/740-2017
TTY/TDD: None
Hours of operation: 8-4:30, M-F

Mahoning County PCSA
Denise Stewart, Executive Director
2801 Market Street, Room 206
Youngstown, Ohio 44507-1671
PCSA Phone: (330) 783-0411
PCSA Fax: (330) 783-5342
PCSA After-hours Emergency Phone: (330) 783-0411
TTY/TDD: None
Hours of operation: 8:30-4:30, M-F
Internet E-Mail Address: stewad01@odjfs.state.oh.us
World Wide Web Site: [url="http://www.mahoningkids.com"]www.mahoningkids.com[/url]

I'm not sure which phone number you need to call, but at least you have 2 choices--that's good!

Also, you had said in your posting that you turned 18 3 weeks before the accident, certain Medicaid programs offer assistance to children under 19 years of age. One of the programs I looked at said you had to be at 200% of the federal poverty level.

The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services website is a good source of information:
[url="http://www.state.oh.us/odjfs/"]http://www.state.oh.us/odjfs/[/url]

The 'our services' section seemed to be most helpful.

Sorry for the wordy post x 2! I sincerely hope this has helped you.

Sue