COVID-19 has had many negative impacts on the economy and individuals. One recent impact is Medicaid’s cut in Ohio by $210M announced by Governor Mike DeWine. Balin Law attorney Matthew Shupe talks about the impact of Ohio’s cut in Medicaid along with options for Social Security disability claimants.
Video Transcript
Hi, my name is Matthew Shupe. I’m a disability attorney at Balin Law, and I’m here today to talk about the upcoming effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ohio’s Medicaid program. One of the most unfortunate effects of an economic downturn is that just when we need our social safety net the most, government revenues decrease. With that in mind, Governor DeWine recently announced that the State of Ohio will be reducing its Medicaid budget over the next two months, June and July of 2020, by $210 million. Not great. I do want to let you know and provide you a little hope here. There are options if you find yourself uninsured or underinsured if you get that letter in the mail saying you’ve been cut from Medicaid.
Options for uninsured or underinsured Social Security disability claimants
One of the most robust options that are out there are financial assistance programs through healthcare institutions we are fortunate to have which are nonprofits, such as MetroHealth, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and University Hospitals. All three of those healthcare institutions have financial assistance programs. Those programs will pay from 10% to 100% of your medical expenses if your household financially qualifies. These healthcare systems also have patient care advocates that are highly knowledgeable about the financial assistance programs. These advocates are also free as a patient for you to access.
What to do if Medicaid or SSI benefit is cut or terminated
So if you get bad news and find out that your Medicaid is cut, do not despair. There’s a good chance that you will still likely be able to see your doctors. Just you are going to require a few extra hurdles. Go ahead and speak with a patient care advocate at whatever health system at which you’re treating. If you need any additional assistance with that, feel free to contact us at Balin Law. We’re here to help you navigate these complicated bureaucracies and it’s our privilege to do so. Thank you. I hope you and your families are staying well during these trying times.