Medicaid
Indiana lawmakers ask the state to protect Medicaid and in-home care for storm victims
Three Indiana state representatives asked the governor and the state Medicaid agency to make sure people hit by the August 11 derecho don't lose Medicaid or in-home care because paperwork was lost or missed.
Key facts
- The Chicago Tribune reported on September 1 that Indiana state Rep.
- Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, announced in a news release that day that he wants the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and Gov.
- Mike Braun to "take immediate steps" so residents affected by the August 11 derecho in Northwest Indiana do not lose Medicaid coverage or in-home care.
What happened
The Chicago Tribune reported on September 1 that Indiana state Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, announced in a news release that day that he wants the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and Gov. Mike Braun to "take immediate steps" so residents affected by the August 11 derecho in Northwest Indiana do not lose Medicaid coverage or in-home care.
Harris said people lost food and medication and some had thousands of dollars in damage to their homes. "It's hard to blame them if they forgot — or simply lost — paperwork in the wake of this disaster," he said. State Reps. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, and Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis, joined the call.
What it means for families
Medicaid renewals and in-home care depend on paperwork and deadlines. After a storm, fire or flood, older adults can miss a notice through no fault of their own, and losing coverage can mean losing the aide who helps them every day.
For example: a widow whose roof was damaged may be staying with her son and never see the renewal letter mailed to her house. A quick call to the Medicaid office with a new address can prevent a gap.
What this means in New York: if a disaster disrupts mail or records, contact NY State of Health or your local Department of Social Services right away to update your address and ask about deadlines.
Quick answers
What are Indiana lawmakers asking for after the derecho?
The Chicago Tribune reported on September 1 that Indiana state Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, announced in a news release that day that he wants the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and Gov. Mike Braun to "take immediate steps" so residents affected by the August 11 derecho in Northwest Indiana do not lose Medicaid coverage or in-home care.
What to do this week
- If a parent had to leave home after a storm or emergency, update their mailing address with Medicaid and their health plan.
- Ask the Medicaid office whether any renewal deadline can be extended because of the disaster.
- Keep photos of important documents on your phone so they can be resent if paper copies are lost.
Sources
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