Some people are good at talking to insurance companies and other such bureaucracies. Me? I'd rather walk across a bed of hot coals on my hands while chewing on shards of broken glass. Naked. In front of an audience.
Seriously, why does everything have to be so freakin' hard? Four months: the amount of time it took the department of human services to get their poop together and process my application for The Princess's healthcare coverage. Four months. I applied in December, and they didn't see fit to even look at it until March. She turns three next week - starts school next week - and I need to get her a physical, like now.
After calling the special department where my application was finally forwarded, I found out that she does qualify for coverage. Starting in May. Really, people? Really? I submitted this in December because I didn't want any lapse between EI and her insurance. December. It's April. You told me it would take 45 days. Thanks for nothin'.
The Princess will go in to the pediatrician's office on Wednesday for her physical, for which I will pay the entire amount out of pocket because DHS couldn't be bothered to do their job. We will skip three weekly therapy sessions for three weeks, because she's no longer eligible for EI coverage, and All Kids can't get their act together. Nice.
As if talking with the government healthcare people wasn't enough eye-gouging fun, I got my homeowners insurance bill this weekend. It increased by about 30%. Again, I ask you, seriously? After promising them my left arm and an internal organ or two, we were able to get it back down to the neighborhood of something we might be able to afford. God help us, though, if anything ever goes wrong and we need to make a claim. Our deductible is now $2000...without making that change, there's no way we would be able to pay our premium.
The Hubbs and I are responsible parents and adults. We pay our bills on time, even though both of us are out of work right now. We complain very little about such things, knowing that they will eventually topple back into place like they always do. But it really shouldn't be this hard.
Darling, I would call back and tell them their error is not your problem nor fault and you fully expect her coverage to begin immediately and send a letter to your governor and cc them. This is a crock of crap.
ReplyDeleteWell, I called back today and was told - again - that there's nothing they can do about it. The rep I spoke with did give me the option to appeal the decision, though. I've done that, and will have an appeal hearing - hopefully soon - where, if I win, I'll be reimbursed for the doctor's visit. Doesn't really help with the lack of private therapy for this month, since I'm sure the hearing won't be for a few weeks, but I don't know what else I can do. :(
ReplyDelete...But I think I will take your advice and write that letter to the governor as well. Thanks, Jenn.
ReplyDeleteOk I just remembered that here in Jersey when the child transitions from EI to the school district there is to be no lapse in service. Perhaps you can get EI to continue paying or school disrict??
ReplyDeleteOh Amy, I'm so sorry hon :( I wish I could figure out some way to help you guys. Your faith and positive outlook is amazing and I'm so sorry that the government is being such jerks.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it's not a matter of a gap in service...she starts school the day after her birthday. I just really want to keep up with the private therapies at these two particular clinics where she seems to benefit so much from what they're doing.
ReplyDeleteI guess the worst case scenario is that we just skip three weeks at each place and pick up where we left off when the insurance kicks in at the beginning of May. I just shudder when I think about her not getting to see Sakina or Bear for three whole weeks. But she'll be starting school, which will be a big adjustment, so maybe this will turn out to be a good thing.