Boog

Boog

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Tips On Applying your Child for State Benefits

Hi everyone!

I had a request a while back from a lady that works for one of Boog's previous schools. She had several parents come to her with questions on applying their child for Medicaid. I made a tip sheet for her to share with parents and thought it might be helpful to the readers of my blog.

These tips are written specifically on applying for Medicaid in my home state, but really can be applied to the process of obtaining any sort of benefit.

Hopefully this might help or encourage other parents out there going through similar processes. If you have any questions for me, you can leave them below or email me at allaboutboog@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Boog's Mommy






Tips on Applying for Medicaid for Your Child


Begin obtaining official copies of all pertinent medical records. Any doctor or specialist your child has seen with have records of every visit, procedure, and diagnosis (primary and secondary). You can call the medical records office and request copies, or you can stop by and ask for them if it's convenient. Make a check lists so that you don't leave any out. Here are some common areas that may help you make your lost:

-Hospitals for visits, testing or procedures
- Pediatrician visits that pertain to your child's primary diagnosis
-Any place your child has received therapy
-School records (if applicable)


As you are collecting these records, be sure to have a way to make copies. You will need to keep a copy for yourself, and make copies for Medicaid. I keep binders with dividers for each place my child has been.

While you are working on getting all records, go ahead and contact the Medicaid office of your county. The number can be found in the phone book or by using Google. Let them know you would like to begin the process of applying your child for Medicaid.

There are two types of Medicaid coverage: Medicaid based on income and "Disabled Child Living at Home Medicaid". If your gross income excludes you from regular Medicaid, you can them apply for "Disabled Child Living at Home". It is more difficult to become approved for this type, but with the right time, patience, and medical records it can be done.

The most crucial piece of advise I can give you is to be incredibly polite to all parties assisting 
you in your application. Contact each place you're working with a minimum of once a week to 
touch base and a maximum of three times. If they are waiting on a certain document, ask them if you could help by contacting the place yourself and putting in a request. Most people applying for Medicaid feel like they are owed this service and should not have to do the "dirty work" of making phone calls and picking up copies of medical records. If you show that you are willing to go the extra mile to help your child's caseworker, that caseworker will perceive you as a child advocate looking for help and not just someone trying to get something for free.

I hope this helps!

Remember: this can be very time consuming and frustrating, but well worth it in the end for your child. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Follow me!

Please don't forget to follow All About Boog on Facebook. I post there much more frequently and include posts on great deals and giveaways you don't want to miss!

All About Boog on Facebook



Also, please click the link below to vote for us. The more you click, the higher up in the charts we go and the more parents can see they are not alone. Thank you very much!

Click to Vote for us at Top Mommy Blogs



Take care,
Boog's Mommy