So how does my partner get insurance?

[mdmc]

She is on disability and earns about $12500 per year and prior to this bill she was not eligible for medicaid in NYS.
She has a pre-existing condition (she is on disability) and she has a very low income.

The bill is set up to help someone like her, right? How does she get insured?

[Midlodemocrat]

1. There is a high risk pool that starts as soon as Obama signs the law

probably tomorrow.

I would gather more information would be forthcoming, but she should probably consult the cms.gov site or a social worker.

[mdmc]

3. Thanks for that link - she has a case manager but we don't know

what to do..

I am also a social worker and I don't know what to do..

[Midlodemocrat]

7. The cms.gov site has an online ombudsman that will help you.

For all the bitching people do about Medicaid and Medicare, they offer excellent coverage, especially Medicaid. It's a matter of knowing your coverage.

[mdmc]

will do and thanks again for that info..

It is really helpful and beneficial..
thanks!

[Midlodemocrat]

14. You are most welcome.

I know that information pretty well, so if I can help you in any way, please PM me.

I'm not here that much these days, but I will try to assist you if I can.

[mdmc]

8. wow - what a great link

thanks for that
peace and low stress..

[kestrel91316]

22. High risk pool doesn't start for at least 90 days after signing.

And then who knows how long the application process takes. I assume they will still have to get all your medical records - gotta protect against her filing some fraudulent, lying application, you know.

Having been the victim of such nonsense, I have to admit I am still cynical (though I support this bill) about things being as simple and easy as merely filling out a form and sending in a check.

Not sure when the expanded Medicare for the really poor kicks in. She needs to look into that, though $12500 is probably way too much income to qualify for it.

[mdmc]

24. my thought exactly

I figure if anyone would benefit from this HCR bill it would be her..

[Donnachaidh]

2. she makes under 13K and is NOT eligible for Medicaid?

For real? Is she getting medicare?

[Midlodemocrat]

4. Not if she's under 65.

[Donnachaidh]

11. it's different in different states.

I know in Georgia people can get into Medicaid under 65.

[Midlodemocrat]

15. I meant Medicare, as asked in your message.

[Donnachaidh]

17. umm, I'm in Medicare and under 65

on disability. :shrug:

[Midlodemocrat]

19. Correct, but only if you are on SSDI

the OP didn't specify, so I didn't want to jump to conclusions.

[mdmc]

23. my g.f is on ssdi

..

[Midlodemocrat]

25. I think you are feeling the affects of a Medicaid carveout in NY.

Again, the ombudsman can walk you through this. They will be inundated, but I've found the online ombudsmen to be extremely helpful and supremely knowledgeable.

[mdmc]

5. Nope - nothing

she can "buy into" medicaid, but then she could not eat and would have to live in a homeless shelter.. Honest to God.

[Donnachaidh]

16. jeez louise.

That's obscene. We live in a free country - free to live in your car, free to starve, free to die from lack of healthcare....

:puke:

[rox63]

6. If she's on SSDI, she should qualify for Medicare

I've also heard that the bill will make it easier for low-income people to qualify for Medicaid. But I don't have any details on what that change involves.

[mdmc]

9. She is on SSDI but earns too much in benefits

she can buy in, but then will not have money for housing or food..

[rox63]

20. My best friend qualified for Medicare after 2 years on SSDI

Prior to that, she was on Medicaid. But this was in Mass, and she made a bit less than your partner. Her qualification for Medicare wasn't based on her income, it was based on her disability. How long has your partner been on SSDI?

[mdmc]

21. She was recently approved - a couple months --

I think she said that she would be eligible in 24 months -- not sure.
thanks for your reply..
We just got back from vacation in MA. We go up to Pittsfield in the Berkshire for vacation - we go for one week in the winter and for a long weekend in the summer. We love to catch Prairie Home Companion at Tanglewood..

[snooper2]

10. Making below $13,800 should qualify..

Making below $13,800 should qualify..

http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/#qualify

How do I know if my income and resources qualify me for Medicaid?The chart below shows how much income you can receive in a month and the amount of resources (if applicable) you can retain and still qualify for Medicaid. The income and resource (if applicable) levels depend on the number of your family members who live with you.

2010 Income & Resource Levels*
Medicaid Standard for Singles
People, Couples without
Children & Low Income
Families Net Income for Families; and Individuals who
are Blind, Disabled or Age 65+ Resource Level
(Individuals who are Blind, Disabled or Age 65+ ONLY)
Annual Monthly Annual Monthly
1 $8,479 $707 $9,200 $767 $13,800


Can I be eligible for Medicaid even if I make more money than the chart shows?Yes, some people can. Pregnant women, children, disabled persons, and others may be eligible for Medicaid if their income is above these levels and they have medical bills. Ask your Medicaid worker if you fit into one of these groups.

Individuals who are certified blind, certified disabled, or age 65 or older who have more resources may also be eligible. Ask your Medicaid worker if this applies to you.

If an adult has too much income and/or resources and is not eligible for Medicaid, that person may be eligible for:

•Family Health Plus or
•Family Planning Benefit Program

[mdmc]

13. thanks for that link - I wonder why she was denied

perhaps from earlier income?

[Ozymanithrax]

12. If she is making $12500 a year, she will qualify for Medicaid (133% above federal poverty line)

[Midlodemocrat]

18. Not unless there is a Medicaid carve out available which apparently

they've looked into.

Federal guidelines are not always adhered to due to state carve outs trying to relieve some of the burden from the federal government.

The passage of HCR will eliminate that.