(WAS) Jeffery el (NOW) Medicare Drug Program problems and SNAFUs

[Guest guest]

Arizona doesn't have "Medicaid" instead opting years ago to institute it's own program (under all the same Federal guidelines) called Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System or AHCCCS, pronounced as 'access'. Our Governor Janet Napolitano just joined with 14 other state governors to provide emergency funding to cover the costs of meds. Why? Well, as we all expected, the new Medicare Drug Program has caused major SNAFUs resulting in thousands of dually Medicare/AHCCCS eligible patients being denied their meds since January 1st. The Medicare Drug Program is a huge disaster for so many people especially transplant patients and those who are chronically ill. If anyone here on the group had any experiences with the new MDP so far I would be

interested in hearing about it. Sharon n Rojas wrote: UHHH! Sharon, Medicaid is practically DEAD! However, in some states, it might put him in a group home or in a convalescent hospital, etc.!!!!!!!! More Cheer! n Re: Jeffery el (with note from group owner) Has he applied for assistance through A Bridge for Independent Living? That might work. Here's another thought Tom. I don't know what state Jeff is in but he should be able to "spend down" his income to apply for Medicaid. In other words, he may not have qualified when he first applied but he should be able to apply again after having certain medical-related expenses. I would think he would have some huge expenses with

his current health situation. Jeff's state probably has a Disability Advocate through state government, usually attached to the Governor's Office. I would recommend contacting first the Medicaid Department and asking for a review of his application. If he doesn't get a positive response then he should write to the Director over that state department and copy the Governor and the disability advocate office. Each state is different but the basic rules/laws covering Medicaid are Federal. You know the old saying "The squeaky wheel gets the grease". So loud, intelligent complaints do help. (even unintelligent complains help..) And it always helps to write the the Director. In State Government one thing you never want is to have a complaint about your department go to the Governor's Office. (that truth spoken by a retired Arizona State Government

worker). I hope this helps. Sharon

Sharon (MSersLife creator/owner)

“One minute it's a giant cabbage and the next, ka-boom! You've got cole slaw all over you." V.R. , Palmer, Alaska, where Cabbages grow huge

Yahoo! Photos Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.