Op, we have coverage through DC healthy families which is DC's SCHiP program. It is for families whose income is to high for traditional Medicaid. Our income is 75k (family of 5) and that quailfies us for coverage for our children only. To qualify for the entire family I believe the income limits are about 54k for a family of 5--and this is important--they do consider the baby while you are still pregnant in the total count for the family. They only require you show proof of income for the past 30 days, they do not care what you made last year or your tax returns. They ONLY want to see your last 30 days of income. They are not allowed to ask about any assets/savings you might have.

Is it possible for you to go part time at your job starting now? Maybe that would help get the income level down to what you need before you apply. Also you can still have private health insurance and this would be considered secondary, it will cover whatever your insurance does not. There are no copays or prescription costs. All the major hospitals take it (you actually get to choose between 2 plans) and some private OB practices as well, I think RHJ does.

Anyway something to consider, just to get you through the pregnancy.

Good luck!

OP, Gilbert LLP is an insurance coverage law firm in DC that also does a lot of pro bono work. I would try calling them up, ask to speak to a pro bono coordinator (not sure if they have one, but they will transfer you to someone eventually) and explain your situation and ask if they might be able to help you in any way.

http://www.gotofirm.com/probono.html

(hee, was wondering where in MN I could go to live on $3K a year. early retirement!)

sorry, I'm the PP. That should be 35K, not 3K.

most of the country also has a significant lower cost of living. $3K was livable in Minnesota. it's not livable on that amount here. Not even close.

OP, I have no suggestions, just some virtual hugs and wishes that it all works out for you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:True. But not for living in DC with 2 kids already and a mortgage. And health insurance that you're paying for that's not benefitting you because you were lied to not once but twice.

I don't think they take those things into consideration. $70k may not feel like a lot in D.C., but it's still an awful lot for most people (like me).

If you haven't already, you should definitely be contacting the DC Dept of Insurance/Insurance Commissioner - there is definitely a lot of action you can take about this.

Good luck!

I think people may have missed the "joint" part. That's $35K each. Most married couples are living on much more.

But not to qualify for Medicaid!!! You need to be genuinely low income, not just "DC" low income. And yes, in most of the country, $70k combined income is a lot!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:True. But not for living in DC with 2 kids already and a mortgage. And health insurance that you're paying for that's not benefitting you because you were lied to not once but twice.

I don't think they take those things into consideration. $70k may not feel like a lot in D.C., but it's still an awful lot for most people (like me).

If you haven't already, you should definitely be contacting the DC Dept of Insurance/Insurance Commissioner - there is definitely a lot of action you can take about this.

Good luck!

I think people may have missed the "joint" part. That's $35K each. Most married couples are living on much more.

Anonymous wrote:True. But not for living in DC with 2 kids already and a mortgage. And health insurance that you're paying for that's not benefitting you because you were lied to not once but twice.

I don't think they take those things into consideration. $70k may not feel like a lot in D.C., but it's still an awful lot for most people (like me).

If you haven't already, you should definitely be contacting the DC Dept of Insurance/Insurance Commissioner - there is definitely a lot of action you can take about this.

Good luck!

True. But not for living in DC with 2 kids already and a mortgage. And health insurance that you're paying for that's not benefitting you because you were lied to not once but twice.

$70k isn't bad by an awful lot of standards.

OP here. The birthing center at Providence Hospital runs off a Medicaid program which we don't qualify for. Apparently if you have a joint income of $70K and 2 dependents...you don't qualify. Wow.

Back to square 1. Fight with the insurance company.

I hope your agent is at least hot.

OP here. Yes that's the number I called. That one went to VM and the other was 269-7880 and they hung up on me. I left a msg on 7074. Arrgh!

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I tried to call Providence hosp in Brookland but got the run around and finally disconnected. I called back and it went to voicemail so I left a message.

Keep fighting OP. I got the number for Center for Life from a friend. It's 202 269-7074. Keep trying and don't give up. Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Thanks guys. I'm also trying to just take a deep breath. I know I'm lucky to be pregnant as I feel for the 20 week (and other) miscarriage posters on the board. I know this insurance BS is smaller potatoes compared to their dramas.