Single, Pregnant & wants advice on Medicaid...help!

Question

Please hold criticism I am trying to do what is right and would like advice. I am 24 yr old, who indeed got knocked up, however I do have my life somewhat together I own a brand new home and have a pretty decent job at a firm, however I am still having a hard time as it is without a child trying to keep up with bills, since gas prices have gone up, things have gotten a lot harder for me because I have a lot of credit card debt and right now I am focusing on getting rid of most of it before my baby comes. I am 7 weeks prego and I learned of Medicaid, I have not yet went to apply because I am scared I will be denied because they think I earn too much money. Which is not fair I make $976 every two weeks but my mortgage is $925 and lets not forget I have a car note, insurance etc. So I had hoped that it would be no problem to get Medicaid once I shown them proof of bills, but as I spoke with people who have Medicaid etc. they are telling me that doesn’t matter and I still would not be able qualify. I can’t afford to pay a co-pay every time I see the Dr. and when I actually give birth I don’t even want to see the bill of what’s leftover from what my regular insurance that I have with my job hasn’t picked up. My question is does anyone know exactly the qualifying income for Atlanta, GA? Or anyone had this same problem? I was told by a few people there is one specific office in Atlanta that does not require you to bring proof of income because they really don’t go by the books etc. I am not sure so I was going to see if I can walk in there and tell them I make $600 every 2weeks and see what happens but I am also scared it will bite me in my butt later. This lady I know said that is what she did, she said the people there are extremely rude but she did what she had to do and she got Medicaid and her daughter is 7mnths now.

Answer 1

If you already have insurance I dont think you will qualify for medicaid.  Your insurance will pick up most of the cost however and our copay should only be like $20 a visit.  You wont go more than once a month once you get started.  If its that big of a deal then go to a planned parenthood....I dont think they have a copay and if they do its fairly cheap.  If you cant afford 20 a month then I dunno how you expect to pay for diapers ect....  Is there a father going to be present in the babys life?  He doesnt have to help but you may wanna talk to him and see if he can help you with some of the expenses.  Medicaid is usually for single moms with no insurance.  I bring home $863 every two weeks but I qualified in AR and the cost of living is cheaper her than in GA I think.  Some married couples qualify but not many.  

EDIT:  Also I did not lie about anything when I went in.  I only own a car but I told the truth on my app.  Im also a hard working citizen so I dont consider myself cheating the system.  I cant afford to have a baby with no insurance and my boyfriends insurance would not pick me up even if we got married.  Neither of us could afford it without some type of help.  All you can do is try b/c the laws are diff in every state!

Answer 2

First of all, Medicaid goes by your gross wages, not what you bring home. I did some research and in Georgia, if you are pregnant and its just you (no other children), the most you can gross is $1734 a month/$20,808 a year. So if you gross $976 every two weeks, that means you earn $25,376 a year and therefore will be turned down for medicaid. And medicaid doesn't take into consideration any bills so that wouldn't help you at all. And about this other office, I dont know if i would go that route. Its called fraud and now that you are preggo, you need to stay on the right side of the law. The last thing you need is to have a child and then have to pay back all the money they spent on you to have it or worse jail.. bcuz if that happens, paying a bill would be the least of your worries. Fly right, everything will work out. One option is the health department. You may still have to pay but it wont be as much as a regular doctor. :)

Answer 3

I suggest contact the child's father to help you out.  He kissed you so he should be one to support you.

what have you been so stupid to become pregnant?  Now you can't do anything unless you also contact your own parents or your boy friend's parents who will help you for the sake of their grand child..

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

you can ask the people at medicaid, or go to the state's government website to find out what the qualifying income is.....but here in Michigan it's the same way.  If you earn more than what their cap is, you don't qualify.....even if you have bills that take away from that income.  It's not a fair system.  They are going to want documentation of everything....pay stubs, bills, mortgage deed etc.  So there is no walking in and saying that you only make so much because they will prove you don't.  Gov't assistance is a messed up program.  People who work, and work hard, to make a life for themselves get screwed....but people who don't work, or don't give a d**n, reep the taxpayers benefits.

Answer 5

I understand it's hard.  Are you going to file for child support for your baby?  

I'm going to tell you right now - if you go in there and lie and they find out about it, they will report you to the fraud office and you can be liable for everything they have paid out and could be denied benefits for the rest of your life.  I would think long and hard before you went that route.

Now, I'm a single mom, I know how hard it is.  But try to find another way to do it, don't lie.  It's not worth it.  I work really closely with Social Services, especially with the fraud unit.

Answer 6

Wow.  I wouldn't help you even if I could.  I'd like a little extra help with the bills, too (wouldn't we all!), and it pisses me off that the taxes I pay would be supporting you if you did manage to qualify by cheating the system.