Jen & others SSI, Medicaid

[Guest guest]

Dear Jen and others with insurance issues,

I have made mention of this before on the list, but with so many new

families I thought it was worth another mention.

I think every family on this list should apply for a medicaid waiver

for their child. This is different from straight medicaid, it is

usually not based on parent's income. It is for children who are

chronically ill. Medicaid waivers are offered in all fifty states,

but each state runs it differently. Waivers expands medicaid

coverage for those who meet eligibility requirements. In our state

their are six different waiver programs. Not only do you get

medicaid benefits, but additional coverage as well (ie. respite

care, environmental modifications, nursing care, etc.)

Like I said each state governs it differently. You can call 800-682-

0100 to get more information. I will warn you it can be a long,

difficult process. Do not let anyone tell you waivers don't exist.

This is what happen to me. But I knew they were wrong, so I kept

calling and researching. Each state has a different name for it,

some call it a waiver, some call it " Beckett " . And don't let

them tell you that you make too much money, this is not regular

medicaid. But a child's income can make them ineligible (this is

why we have no savings account for our son in his name).

We were denied SSI because of our income, but our son is approved

for a waiver in Virginia. Unfortunately, there is a huge waiting

list to receive benefits....but our state is one of the worst.

You could also try contacting your local ARC office. In our state

they run seminars to educate parents about how to apply for a

waiver. If you have any questions, let me know, I have spent many,

many hours to get our son approved and would be willing to try and

help.

Alison