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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 14:20:34
I was so angered when my therapist told me this today... she asked if I wouldn't mind calling Medicaid and asking if it were true, then report back to her. She was under the impression that therapy would no longer be covered, but psychologists and psychiatrists would.
I called Medicaid, and that's not exactly the case. Starting September 1, certain benefits will be cancelled, though I can't recall which ones... but as of October 16, Medicaid will no longer cover psychological counseling for those 21 and older! What's more, they won't even cover eyeglasses anymore!! I'm so infuriated by this... thank the gods they still will cover psychiatric services.
Luckily I don't turn 21 till January 5, so I have a little more time with my wonderful therapist... but this is such B.S.
Thank you so very much for ruining our economy, Mr. President.
Posted by Janelle on August 7, 2003, at 14:30:14
In reply to Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!!, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 14:20:34
I hate to say this, but be GLAD you even have Medicaid ... I lost mine (long story, can't go into it here). That aside, could you possibly switch to a psychologist for therapy, and thereby remain covered? I imagine that might be easier said than done since you undoubtedly have a rapport with your counselor/therapist by now.
I can't believe they won't cover eyeglasses anymore - geez! (maybe I'm not missing so much after all ...)
I echo your sentiment - "Thank you so very much for ruining our economy, Mr. President."
And I'd add the following which is meant to be SARCASTIC "keep up the good work GB"
Posted by sjb on August 7, 2003, at 14:41:35
In reply to Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!!, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 14:20:34
Amen.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 15:32:42
In reply to Re: Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!! » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Janelle on August 7, 2003, at 14:30:14
> I hate to say this, but be GLAD you even have Medicaid ... I lost mine (long story, can't go into it here).
Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful to have it... this is just so frustrating, you know. :-/
> That aside, could you possibly switch to a psychologist for therapy, and thereby remain covered? I imagine that might be easier said than done since you undoubtedly have a rapport with your counselor/therapist by now.
Unfortunately, psychologists will no longer be covered by Medicaid either! So I have until January to continue seeing my therapist, and from now on I'm going to try to make my appointments for every week instead of every two so I can get as much as I can out of it while it lasts. Besides, since I don't drive, my mother gets reimbursed $0.35/mile for each Medicaid-covered appointment she brings me to (under the Medical Transportation Program [MTP]), and my psychiatrist and therapist are each a 20-mile round-trip; I see my psychiatrist every two weeks, and if I start seeing my therapist every week, then that's $42/month... hey, every little bit helps when you're poor, lol.
You're right though -- even if psychologists *were* covered, it will be heart-breaking to have to leave my current therapist. She's absolutely excellent at what she does, understanding, funny, and easily one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life.
> I can't believe they won't cover eyeglasses anymore - geez! (maybe I'm not missing so much after all ...)
Yeah... fortunately for me, though, I think my current eyeglasses will do for at least another year or two. My prescription seems to get worse every year, but I think it may have leveled off finally. Without vision correction, I'm actually well over the limit (20/200) to be considered legally blind -- 20/400.
> I echo your sentiment - "Thank you so very much for ruining our economy, Mr. President."
>
> And I'd add the following which is meant to be SARCASTIC "keep up the good work GB"Yep... sad state this country is in. Thank goodness I'll be able to vote for the first time in the next election.
Posted by Angelic9144 on August 7, 2003, at 15:40:01
In reply to Re: Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!! » Janelle, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 15:32:42
>>>Unfortunately, psychologists will no longer be covered by Medicaid either! So I have until January to continue seeing my therapist, and from now on I'm going to try to make my appointments for every week instead of every two so I can get as much as I can out of it while it lasts. Besides, since I don't drive, my mother gets reimbursed $0.35/mile for each Medicaid-covered appointment she brings me to (under the Medical Transportation Program [MTP]), and my psychiatrist and therapist are each a 20-mile round-trip; I see my psychiatrist every two weeks, and if I start seeing my therapist every week, then that's $42/month... hey, every little bit helps when you're poor, lol.
Actually 10 miles = $3.50. At 40 mi/week (20/wk psych + 20/wk therapist) @ 4 weeks = 160mi/month. 160 * .350 = $56.00
Thats like a free session with your counselor right there. Thats just great!
Posted by Bill L on August 7, 2003, at 16:16:26
In reply to Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!!, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 14:20:34
Medicaid coverage varies by state. I hope that other states do not cut down on therapy coverage.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 16:16:58
In reply to Re: Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!!, posted by Angelic9144 on August 7, 2003, at 15:40:01
Oh, well my psychiatrist's appointments are actually every *two* weeks; my therapist's appointments once a week. So that would be $14/month for my psychiatrist + $28/month for my therapist = $42. Still not bad though. :-)
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 16:36:39
In reply to Re: Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!!, posted by Bill L on August 7, 2003, at 16:16:26
Unfortunately, this *is* a nationwide thing. I spoke to the national office and they informed me that it didn't vary by state.
Posted by SilmarilOne on August 7, 2003, at 17:29:10
In reply to Re: Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!! » Bill L , posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 16:36:39
What about a state like California, where the feds give a block grant, and the state administers? (They call it medi-cal) California has discretion as to certain things they will or will not cover.
?
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 7, 2003, at 19:31:15
In reply to Medicaid cancelling coverage of counseling!!!!!!!, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 7, 2003, at 14:20:34
> I was so angered when my therapist told me this today...
How about redirecting this thread to Psychological Babble? Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030711/msgs/249123.html
Thanks,
Bob
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