Uninsured Californians seeking post-wildfire federal aid will face Social Security questions

[turbinetree]

Source: Think Progress

The undocumented are California's largest group without health insurance and mostly ineligible for a Social Security number.

AMANDA MICHELLE GOMEZ
NOV 28, 2018, 8:00 AM

The federal government launched a program for uninsured Californians who lost critical medication during the weeks of devastating wildfires. But to access no-cost replacements, residents will be asked to provide a Social Security number. While a SSN is not required, the question alone could dissuade California’s largest uninsured group from seeking care: the undocumented.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) last week for uninsured Californians living in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties whose medications or medical equipment, like canes or walkers, were lost or damaged during the wildfires. HHS activated extra aid after declaring a public health emergency in California. Citizens, the press release stresses, are encouraged to go to any pharmacy participating in the program before December 31 to access a 30-day supply; most prescription drugs should be covered at no cost to uninsured patients.

“EPAP provides vital assistance to people without insurance who rely upon certain prescription medicines and equipment to protect their health after disasters,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec, M.D. in the press release. “I encourage citizens in impacted areas of California who qualify for this assistance to take advantage of it.”

HHS Secretary Alex Azar encouraged people to call 855-793-7470 for more information, so this ThinkProgress reporter did. The operator said residents will need a Social Security number to access care.




Read more: https://thinkprogress.org/uninsured-california-wildfires-asked-about-social-security-number-0cf87fedbed8/

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Absolutely fucking amazing......................this is what is called a death panel administration...........


November 3, 2020 cannot get here fast enough

[moreland01]

1. Our Christian Nation.

Matthew 25:35-45
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

[displacedtexan]

2. Here's only one of many California HHS resource options:

There, but for fortune, go you and I.

http://www.hopeact.latinas.org/atf/cf/%7B8C8C08B7-90F7-4F81-A642-DEC25A476698%7D/HEALTHCARE%20RESOURCE%20GUIDE%20HOPE-FINAL%20SEPTEMBER%2018.PDF

[MarkHambrick]

3. How to Help the undocumented until we can change Congress

I know this is not the answer we want to hear, but until we can force these rich fat cats to share their $$$, perhaps we need to open up our purse to help the less fortunate out. It would be very hypocritical of us not to do so. Find agencies in California that help people REGARDLESS of their immigration status, and donate your $$$ to them. At least you will be able to write these cash donations off on your State, and Federal Tax Returns. I did just this, I just donated 500.00 to the United Way in Los Angeles. They are non judgmental when it comes to distributing funds.

[elleng]

4. Sounds good.

Welcome.