Today's topic

Medicaid, food assistance, cash assistance with Jim Ashmore (5-20-09)

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10:57:47 AM [Visitor] What might cause me to become ineligible? What happens to insurance for myself once the baby goes on his father's? I have heard that only some people are required to pay back the medicaid expenses.
11:01:09 AM [Jim Ashmore] Generally speaking, as long as you are pregnant and you initially qualified, you will remain eligible until the end of the second month following the birth of your second child. Paying back Medicaid expenses typically only occurs in fraudulent situations.

10:53:57 AM [Visitor] I am currently receiving ohio medicaid, for my pregnancy, and am wondering if I or my boyfriend will be responsible for paying it back? If so, when would that go into effect? Also, I am looking to hopefully put my child on his father's insurance once he is born and am wondering when would I notify JFS about that, after it has taken affect?
10:55:54 AM [Jim Ashmore] As long as you remain eligible (which it sounds like you are), there is no payback clause. Within 10 days of your child being added to the father's insurance, please alert us. Thanks for checking.

10:38:31 AM [Cook, Marci ] Is it possible to add spenddown amount to the Medicaid Portal? A lot of times as a provider, this can help us determine when would be most affordable for the client to be seen in the office.

10:40:18 AM [Jim Ashmore] That has been requested by counties to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. As I understand it, it is possible but that possibility comes with a cost. Given the current budget situation, it seems unlikely in the near term.

10:32:39 AM [Visitor] Our daughter and her two children are living with us while she attends Western Hills School of Beauty full time. She does not work. Would she be eligible for Food Assistance for herself and the 2 kids without her dad's and my income being considered?
10:25:56 AM [Jim Ashmore] It is possible provided you purchase and prepare your meals separately. Definitely worth applying. Thanks for the question.

10:24:18 AM [Cook, Marci ] What are the income guidelines for food stamps? Poverty level and monthly income max?
10:25:56 AM [Jim Ashmore] Here is a resource that will help you determine that quickly: http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/index.jsp

10:23:04 AM [Visitor] Thanks Mr Ashmore, these chats are wonderful, I hope that the county will continute this program.

10:24:48 AM [Jim Ashmore] We plan to continue. Glad we could help.

10:22:09 AM [angie ] thank you
10:24:02 AM [Jim Ashmore] You're welcome. Best of luck with everything.

10:22:58 AM [Cook, Marci ] I have been told by clients who only want food assist and medical that they have to apply for cash assistance as well. Is that true?
10:23:26 AM [Jim Ashmore] Absolutely not.

10:20:58 AM [Visitor] Thanks, but guess what? I just called my bank and spoke to the manger, she informed me that after i have been in on the first of the month, she called headquarters and was told that they are to honor the cards, and she has given the word to her staff.
10:22:48 AM [Jim Ashmore] Glad to hear it.

10:14:53 AM [angie ] i weny done there in person an applyied with everything i needed i take med every month and lost my health ins to i am worried about my rent and gas bill
10:16:17 AM [angie ] they said it looked like i could get assistance right away but i have not heard anything
10:18:09 AM [angie ] and i have a baby in the house
10:21:34 AM [Jim Ashmore] Have you tried community resources in the interim? Perhaps you might want to start with calling 211. Here's a link to helpful information: http://www.uwgc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=1918E144-917B-ABB6-CA1217AFDE8A7579

10:09:50 AM [Cook, Marci ] My husband is laid off! Our Primary insurance is through his Union and the children have secondary coverage through Caresource. We will be cut off in July. At that point, will we be able to receive covereage like the children since the only income is mine and his unemployment?
10:15:05 AM [Jim Ashmore] It sounds like you would still qualify for the Caresource. It would just become the primary insurance based on no other insurance available and your income.

10:06:26 AM [Cook, Marci ] We are sending clients downtown and they are being turned away for not being there at the right time. Where can we find a list of eligible times for walk in clients?
10:13:33 AM [Jim Ashmore] If they just need to apply, they can come in any time between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for an eligibility interview. We strongly encourage people to arrive early, as consumers are interviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

10:06:31 AM [angie ] i lost my job of 20 years i have no money now and my unemployment will not be here till after june 3 i applyied for food stamps may fourth but havent heard anything yet what can i do i have no money

10:11:50 AM [Jim Ashmore] So sorry to hear of your job loss. If you were interviewed for food assistance, it could take up to 30 days for the benefits to start. Have they informed you they received all of the necessary verifications?

10:06:17 AM [MS B.] HELLO I AM A HAMILTON COUNTY DAYCARE PROVIDER THAT WAS CUT OFF OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WHEN I BECAME CERTIFIED BECAUSE OF MY INCOME, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO GET MEDICAL FOR DAYCARE PROVIDERS,
10:06:58 AM [MS B.] MY THREE CHILDREN ARE STILL RECEIVING MEDICAL COVERAGE BUT I AM NOT
10:07:35 AM [MS B.] WHAT are the income guildlines?
10:10:08 AM [Jim Ashmore] The medical programs do have income guidelines. Basically, the children can be covered if the gross income is under 200 percent of poverty. Indicated in your commentary, you have three children. So, as an example, a household size of four could make up to $3,675 gross per month. Hope this helps.

10:05:55 AM [Visitor] Good Morning Mr Ashmore, I have a question about the new procedure to receive your benefits, I have custody of a great grand child and I asked for the debit card, but when i went to my bank I had a problem they would not give me the funds, they said I had to use ATM, and I read that if you use ATM there would be a fee, I need every thing that I am allowed, how do I go about getting it changed to direct deposit?
10:07:29 AM [Jim Ashmore] If the bank accepts MasterCard (ie MasterCard logo somewhere), they should allow you to convert your debit card funding into cash or money orders. Not sure of your situation, but I would suggest that you talk to a manager there.

10:01:29 AM [Visitor] How much can you make a year? What are the guide lines?
10:04:20 AM [Jim Ashmore] The best advice is to apply because it is not simply based on your annual income. Here's a link to a good starting point for you: http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/TodayatHCJFS/OnlineServiceCenterdefault0812.htm

9:39:25 AM [Visitor] I have a pending ssi/disability claim and was told i might be eligible for a monthly cash payment of $115 through the county while that claim process moves along. Is there such a benefit and if so how do I inquire into my eligibility for it?
10:02:04 AM [Jim Ashmore] Have you applied for Medicaid while you are awaiting your SSI? If so, we should have pursued eligibility for the $115. If not, I would encourage you to apply for Disability Assistance with us.

9:55:43 AM [Visitor] I would like to know how much a year you can make to be able to get Medicard? Can we get medicards if my husband is on Socail Sercurity? I have one child under 18 living with us and two other childern over 18 in our home as well. I work a part time job that does not offer any insurance and I can't not afford insurance on my own. Is there anything that I can do??

9:59:59 AM [Jim Ashmore] We're assuming you mean Medicaid. If so, that process takes into consideration various expenses. As such, the best advice would be to go ahead and apply and let us conduct an eligibility interview.

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