Trouble applying for MassHealth (Revere: tax return, living, move to)

[eastcoastnj]

Hi,

I am new to Massachusetts. I am trying to enroll my family with MassHealth. I sent in the application and since I am self-employed I was asked to send in my tax return from last year. I sent in the information mid-November and the turn around time is supposed to be 2 weeks. I call and I am told that my application has been updated, but no one can read the update in the system. They say I have to talk to the eligibility specialist for my case in Revere through the 800 number. The problem is I can never get through. I follow the prompt and it says, "There's no answer. This call is being disconnected." It's always like this.

Is this the norm? Has anyone gone in the Revere office? I'm wondering if it is half a day's wait and will they really be helpful.

I appreciate your time in advance for your help

[in_newengland]

I have a neighbor who has an elderly father who has Alzheimers and she couldn't get through to Mass Health either. They are really behind and can't keep up. You could try going to a social worker at a hospital--there is usually one who tries to handle Mass Health. Another idea is to just GO there to their office. It's almost impossible to get through by phone.

[Braunwyn]

This is OT, but what prompted you to move to Massachusetts? It's pretty expensive to live here.

[halfabuck]

They won't even help you at their offices. The system needs to be fixed. You could always contact a state rep to help you out. It seems to be getting more difficult to get assistance in Massachusetts. They are cutting back.

[tikaram]

Hang in there, be persistent, call at different times of day. I found early mornings are best (when they just open the office, around 9 am or whatever it is). It's easier to get a living sole on the phone who knows what to do about your case. main problem is that the system is backed up like crazy these days. I applied before (few years ago), and things were fast and smooth. With jobs lost and over all tougher economy, more people are seeking assistance, but I don't think more clerks were employed to tackle the paper monster.

[chris_h]

I wish I had some useful pointers, but I'm as stumped as the next guy as to how to get any kind of help from those people @ Masshealth. I've been applying and re-applying for 9 months now. If you are lucky enough to get someone half-way knowledgable and helpful to assist w/ one part of the process, you can be assured that all their good work will be wiped out by insensitive or incompetant worker who is to "help" you w/ the next phase. I love hearing how 98% of the population is covered- I must know or have heard from the entire 2% that isn't!

[mephie]

Originally Posted by Braunwyn

This is OT, but what prompted you to move to Massachusetts? It's pretty expensive to live here.

Who cares? Stop politicizing things in the hopes of starting an argument.


OP: Go to patient financial services at any large hospital and they will help you out. They have reps whose job is just for this.

[Mr. Joshua]

Originally Posted by mephie

Who cares? Stop politicizing things in the hopes of starting an argument.


OP: Go to patient financial services at any large hospital and they will help you out. They have reps whose job is just for this.

A little touchy there mephie?

Are you concerned that this thread is exhibit 'A' for the case against a government run healthcare system?

[mephie]

Originally Posted by Mr. Joshua

A little touchy there mephie?

Are you concerned that this thread is exhibit 'A' for the case against a government run healthcare system?

No, I am concerned that this person (and others that will come after her) will not get sufficient help because the thread could be derailed into a heated debate. If you don't know the answer to her question, don't respond.


It is unnecessary for someone to start a political argument when a post asks an unrelated question.

If you don't know the answer to her question, forgo your ego and don't respond.

[CaseyB]

I don't see anything wrong with Braunwyn's post?

The OP is free to answer it - or not.