Getting Ready for Surgery

I have a CT scan scheduled for the end of the month and two doctors visits will follow, one doctor to do the major surgery called debalking and the other will do the hernia surgery. My primer doctor called in a specialist because the hernia is surounded by the mucinous tumors, it will require skilled hands to perform both surgeries. Thankfully and blessedly both doctors are just that.

I have been busy getting all of my affairs in order such as the DPA, medical directives, funeral arrangements (just in case) getting the house cleaned and ready for me to come home and recuperate, it's amazing how much needs to be done and how much there is to prepare for, for such an event. My goal was to make as money as possible this summer at the market so my children can pay the bills and have a cushion for unexpected expenses, but that didn't happen, I was sick twice, injured once all while taking care of my aged mother, two children with health problems, a sick dog, a neighbor that caused us problems and trying to make some money. Whew! Despite all of that, I was able to spend time with friends and family and now I have a whole bunch of wonderful memories to recall while I am recuperating.

I have no doubts or fear over this upcoming surgery, I am in the best possible hands and I have my fathers strong will to survive, there is still so much to do and I plan on being around to do it!

Good News for BadgerCare Plus Enrollees Terminated last April 1
 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is offering a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to those who lost BadgerCare Plus and have not yet made their way into the Health Reform’s Marketplace. Spread the word!

The new SEP runs: September 4 – November 2

What you need to know

• Coverage start dates are based on when individuals apply. Apply and enroll between the 1st and the 15th of the month, coverage starts on the 1st of the subsequent month.
  
• The SEP is effective through 2014.
  
• Those who lost BC+ on or before April 1 are eligible to apply
  
• To apply, CALL the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 (do not go online).
  
• Magic words when calling: I’m from Wisconsin; I lost BadgerCare Plus; I’d like to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period.
  

The announcement came less than a week after Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., wrote a letter to CMS urging them to grant a special enrollment period for the individuals who lost Medicaid coverage. Parents and adults who were effected lost coverage because the State’s decision to change eligibility for the program.

As of April 1, 2014 parents enrolled in BadgerCare Plus and adults enrolled in the Core Plan, who were previously covered up to 200% of the federal poverty level, then had to meet the new standard of 100% FPL. This resulted in nearly 63,000 individuals losing coverage. Of that, 38,000 adults did not make it through the eligibility corn maze and into the Marketplace. The SEP became effective September 4th and runs through November 2nd.

Action Steps to Enroll

To enroll, a consumer must call in the Marketplace Call Center to request the special enrollment period. The consumer will receive coverage a month after submitting their application, and will maintain that coverage through 2014. Consumers may automatically enroll into the same plan for 2015, but consider the opportunity to review emerging new Marketplace plan and price options for the intent of this special enrollment period is to get those who lost BadgerCare Plus covered and minimize the health coverage gap. See more on the new SEP below!

In this issue we update you on ABC for Health's 20th Anniversary, auto enrollment in the Marketplace, the upcoming changes to Express Enrollment, and more! We also get you caught up on Provider Memos, Ops Memos and showcase some great articles from the past two weeks. Of course, we bring you case tips and a news round-up, per usual!

Why this Years Elections Matter to Women

http://thehill.com/opinion/brent-budowsky/217359-brent-budowsky-war-on-women-is-winning

Call Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin (202) 224-5653 & Ron Johnson (202) 224-5323 to Ask Them to Vote to Support the Paycheck Fairness Act 

 

Women - on average - earn 77 cents for every dollar a man makes.  The Paycheck Fairness Act helps women fight the wage gap by requiring greater transparency from employers - who would have to show that wage differences are job-related and not gender-based - and protects employees from retaliation when they share information about compensation.  This vote is expected to take place in the US Senate this week.  Make a call today to one or both of Wisconsin's Senators and ask them to support the equal pay for equal work and to support the Paycheck Fairness Act.

For more information:

 National Partnership for Women & Families Fair Pay Information

New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Toolkit

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month.   Women attempt suicide more often durng their lives than do men and women report higher rates of depression.  In the hopes that everyone will become a suicide prevention advocate, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has released a new toolkit to help you reach those in need.  And for those looking for 24/7 help there's a website and number to call: 1-800-273-8255.

Special Enrollment Period Announced for Those Who Lost BadgerCare 

 

Good news!  For those who had lost their BadgerCare Plus coverage on or before April 1, 2014 and how have not yet obtained new health insurance coverage, a new Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is available through November 2nd.  Those transitioning out of BadgerCare should contact the federal Health Insurance Marketplace directly at 1-800-318-2596 to apply for the SEP.