WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — “This has put my wife and I under serious, serious stress,”
Chris Basile found out this month that his daughter, Krista, is losing her Medicare coverage after her annual renewal. Her coverage will drop on Monday, April 1st.
The 17-year-old has myocarditis – a serious, though rare condition - caused by an inflammation of the heart muscle. It can lead to chest pain, heart failure, and sudden death.
“They’re uncomfortable. It makes her upset, and she cries over it. It’s tough," the Lantana father explained. "I’m afraid to have her go through that. I’m scared."
Basile spoke with CBS12 News between last-minute appointments before their coverage is dropped and medication could possibly be delayed.
“My fear is my daughter not being here,” shared Basile.
According to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, Florida has dropped over 460,000 children from its state Medicaid program since last April.
This comes after the end of a pandemic-era policy that banned states from removing ineligible participants from the health insurance program for disabled and low-income people.
“Imagine a parent of a medically complex child, not understanding this system and trying to figure this all out before Easter Sunday,” said Katie DeBriere, an attorney for Florida Health Justice Project.
She said the organization has seen a “tremendous influx” of calls from parents afraid there will be a gap in coverage.
Katy says there have been inconsistencies in how the Department of Children and Families informed parents of the drop in Medicaid coverage and it's causing confusion.
“We cannot find a common thread about why these children are losing insurance right now other than they’re medically complex,” said DeBriere.
In a statement, the Department of Children and Families said during this transition they have “collaborated with health plans to streamline processes and update recipient information, demonstrating effectiveness.”
DeBriere pointed out there is still a chance to file an appeal if a parent thinks their child is still eligible. By filing before Sunday, they can keep coverage for their children while their appeal is being reviewed.
DeBriere said the best way to appeal a termination is to email the office of appeal hearings at appeal.hearings@myflfamilies.com. Parents can also contact the Florida Health Justice Project for logistical help at help@floridahealthjustice.org.
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Thousands of children will lose Medicaid coverage on Easter Sunday - WPEC
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