Have you ever experienced getting Medicaid services cut, reduced, or denied? Have you often felt lost on what to do to fight to keep your services?
There is a process to help you fight against these cuts and denials called the Medicaid Fair Hearings. This gives you the opportunity to advocate for your services and your needs. Medicaid Fair Hearings can be a confusing process, so we’ve broken down the things to know about before proceeding.
You will find out if you’ve been denied services through a letter called a Denial Notice. Within that letter, there are 4 important things to know thoroughly in order to advocate for your needs and services. First, the letter should describe what service is changing or being denied. Second, there needs to be specific reasoning for the service being denied. Third, the letter will state which laws or rules support their decision. Finally, you must request your Medicaid Fair Hearing within 10 days to keep your services the same during the Hearing process.
Once you understand the letter, it’s important to prepare for the Fair Hearing, by gathering supportive evidence, such as receipts and letters written by doctors.
The meeting will typically be held over the phone, where you will explain your needs fully and clearly. Once the Hearing concludes, the hearing officer will send you a written decision on your services. They may still cut and deny services, or they may agree with you and approve your services.
Remember, it is important to advocate for yourself and these services, as changes will impact your day to day life.
In partnership with Rooted in Rights, we present the following videos explaining Medicaid Fair Hearings.