Pennsylvania Slashes 88,000 Children From Medicaid Rolls

I don't know if the Medicaid cuts were necessarily a big problem. I've included info below from the Pennsylvania web site

But the food stamp rules are horrible. If you lose your job and have no income and are living in your car which is worth $2500, you would be “too rich” for aid.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/01/17/405354/pennsylvania-slashes-88000-children-from-medicaid-rolls/

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare reveals that 88,071 children were cut from the Medicaid rolls since August as a result of the department Secretary Gary Alexander’s (R) efforts to “reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.” Alexander ordered an increase in eligibility reviews of beneficiaries in July and, now 80 percent complete, the reviews have resulted in the slew of cuts. The numbers don’t count an additional 23,000 children that DPW cut but eventually restored after the families secured legal help. Advocates note, however, that “poorer people may be less likely to call a lawyer, and child advocates believe thousands have no idea they are now uninsured.” DPW is also enforcing a stricter food stamp eligibility requirement that disqualifies any low-income Pennsylvanian with $2,000 or more in assets, as they are “too rich” for aid.


http://www.chipcoverspakids.com/eligibility-and-requirements/

Eligibility & Benefits

No family makes too much money for CHIP. Most kids receive CHIP for free. Others can get the same benefits at a low cost. If your income is below the lowest amount listed, your child or teen may be enrolled in Medical Assistance. Learn more about how to qualify for CHIP, what it covers and how to apply by watching our YouTube videos.

How do I know if my child qualifies?*
Based on your family size and income, your child or teen may be eligible if he or she meets the following requirements:

Under 19 years of age
A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Qualified Alien
A resident of Pennsylvania
Uninsured and not eligible for Medical Assistance

An average family of four making $44,000 qualifies for free CHIP. View complete income information here.

Information for Grandparents
*Like parents, if you're a grandparent, coverage for your grandchildren is based on your income. Read more to find out if you are covered.



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