Appendix D:
Comments From the Child Survey

The following are comments written on the back page of the surveys to the question:

Please tell us if there is anything else you like or dislike
about your Medicaid health plan.

The comments are grouped according to the health plan in which they are enrolled. They are also grouped according to the topic about which they are written (e.g., administrative issues, dental issues). The comments are presented as written except obvious spelling errors were corrected to make them easier to read. Some comments were split up into the appropriate topic area unless this would have changed the interpretation of the comment.

John Deere Health Care

Administrative

They need to explain more about your options you have and also need to send information out about certain health and dental plans. We receive HMO John Deere Health care plan.

There is a lot that I don't understand. Like I choose a Dr. and is getting billed for it that was on the list that was provided for myself and children. It's really hard to understand some of the policies that are referred me to myself in the booklet. Always put on hold when I call to ask questions. I really don't understand the procedures at all.

I would like to say I did call the 800 number about my oldest child and didn't get the answers to my questions about orthodontist appointments. I was told to call the orthodontist and ask them. I thought that the 800 number should know about the cards they are giving out to people and what they can and can't be used for.

I have asked for information about her asthma and constipation, could you please send me information on that?

John Deere sucks. Keep not paying bill. Doctor said child need treatment.

I really had problems when they gave me Iowa Health Solutions. It would take them 6 months or more to pay a bill.

The unresolved issue that I have is regarding a dental visit back in August of 2000. Somehow our records showed that at that time, we were covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Therefore you would not pay on the claim. I did get a letter from BC/BS stating that we did not have that coverage any longer and the effective date was included, but still Medicaid has not helped me to pay any of this old dentist bill.

I receive bills for months after care for the part that Medicaid hasn¹t paid.

Recently my child and I were visiting in Las Vegas and my child became ill. I went through the yellow pages and finally came up with a quick care or urgent quick care after driving quite a way to the clinic we were told to wait and the receptionist told me she had no idea how long the wait would be. Some people told me they had been waiting 4+ hours. I called the 800 number on my child's card and explained the situation and asked her to point us in the right direction. I was then told she could only go on referrals in Iowa and had no list of dr's in the Vegas area. So I went to the emergency room.

I really haven't had any problems at all. It runs smoothly. It usually runs with the DHS if there was a problem.

Dislike having to show card for each transaction. Dislike having to wait for card to come every month. Dislike having to depend on DHS to properly enter income and child care deductions to remain eligible for coverage. They screw up and don't seem to care and are not concerned about rectifying the situation and don't respond in a timely manner. DHS worker doesn't follow through and do what she said she would do. Dislike they will not correctly enter my child's name like there is no co payment for child.

The office in which to change any paperwork is pathetic.

Dislike going through child support. I don't want to collect it. I don't care for it. Yet I still have to fill out paperwork.

Written notice when my child's doctor leaves the practice and another doctor is assigned. Would be nice. Dislike always having to take card. A direct monthly update from Title 19 to the doctor's office would be good.

Need more info in Spanish.

Primary Care Providers

I don't like it, that they want you to move from the doctors that you have used for a long time to someone new because they have decided for you!
The plan is great. The doctor doesn't communicate well, only concern.

Referrals and Specialists

I don't like the way they've changed the program. With the different doctors, referrals, etc. it's so confusing and less satisfying. I wish they would change the program back to its original way. Without referrals etc. seems we don't get the adequate or quality care needed at times.

My son has cystic fibrosis which requires him to have regular 3 month visits to pulmonary specialists. I have to have a referral from family doctor for these visits. I was dropped from family doctor after 14 years as patients for slow pay on bills for other 2 children with no healthcare. Therefore no referral. I have since found a new doctor and going through the paperwork to switch. But my son is 2 months past specialist visit. Numerous occasions of difficulty getting visits approved for specialist by Medicaid. Doctors have fought and wrote letters on my son's behalf to keep his healthcare as needed.

When I first started I was able to decide for myself who we saw, we now have to check first to see a specialist of any kind even for a second opinion. I believe that I should be able to take my children where I see fit for their health care needs.
Please add more specialists. The only dermatologist I can see is Dr. X. John Deere and I am very dissatisfied with his bedside ethics and as a dermatologist period. I need a specialist and refuse to go and see him.

Prescriptions

Not allowing doctors to prescribe the kind of medication they know will work on a child's medical condition. They end up having to prescribe all these other medications which will not work before they can get to the right one that does. It wastes a lot of funds having to do things that way. And because of the ineffective medicines the child does not feel better until they are on the correct medicine. Being ill is bad enough, prolonging it because of having to observe guidelines is worse. You are making it harder on the doctors to treat their patients and making it harder on the patients by prolonging their illness.

Most of the prescriptions sometimes aren't covered and then I have to pay for them because my son needs them.

Child has had an infection on foot for 6 years. She cut her foot in Mexico and this caused the infection. We tried everything we could for 6 years. Nothing helped. Then we put her on Lamisil, prescribed by her doctor. For it to work you need to be on it at least 6 months. At 5 months her medical refused to cover the payment. So all the time and money were wasted. They now will let her get the next month of it but so much time has lapsed she need to start it all over again. And if she gets it and needs other medications the other medication are refused because she is on Lamisil. Extremely frustrating.

There are some medicines I can't get for my son, allergy meds. But we are working through this.

My son was unable to get necessary allergy testing. Often his pediatrician or specialist will prescribe a medication that they know will work based on past experience. We've been with the same doctor for 5 years. We are required to try what we know are ineffective medications before we can have the one that we know works. This is required by our health plan. This is at the expense of my child's health cover exposure to ineffective antibiotics, antihistamines and results in the additional unnecessary Rx expense. Please feel free to call me for additional comments, as this survey did not address all areas. I know you can't cover everything. Thanks.

I went to have a prescription for my child and couldn't get the script because it hadn't been long enough.

I dislike how they always substitute the medication with generic products all the time. I feel they should stick to whatever the prescription says.

It won't pay for some real good medicines.

I am upset that Medicaid does not cover all medicines subscribed by my child's doctor. I had to pay out of my own pocket a couple of prescriptions (Zyrtec and special cream for rash). This took away from feeding my child or providing for him. There are reasons why a cheaper medicine may not benefit my child, because it's not the same medicine. The incident with Zyrtec is very upsetting and all other medicines. This is wrong. It treats those who have less wrongly.

Dental

We need more better Dr.'s in Muscatine Co. and dentists are needed greatly.

Need more dentists that accept Title 19.

The dental is non-existing because nobody takes Medicaid, which is horrible for the kids and adults. My son was sent to a specialist in Clive, Iowa twice and the office staff and doctor were very rude and had no desire to help because of our insurance and made this statement to me.

I wish I could get a list for dental care dentists. My dentist doesn't even know if they accept the medical card Title 19.

Mental Health

I¹m satisfied with the Medicaid health plan. We're having difficulty finding mental health appropriate for his condition.

Vision

In general the program is wonderful and so is our doctor. Thank you very much. We¹ve only had a few problems. Our older son who is also covered on Medicaid needed new glasses, his prescription changed (doubled) in less than a year and he really couldn't see well at all. Our health plan wouldn't cover another check up for him for several months and then the doctor had to apply for an exception for him to get glasses and that took another 6 weeks. He went without strong enough glasses for about 6 months.

Discrimination

Sometimes I think my daughter doesn't get as much help and attention from doctors as paying patients do. My baby has been to the clinic so many times for other problems besides shots, and they always let her see a nurse, not a doctor. She has only seen a doctor twice since she was born (Dec. 2000). I don't think she gets to see the doctors as much as paying patients do.

Positive Comments

I would just like to say I am very grateful I have this service available to me and my children. I don't have medical coverage for myself, therefore, I can't go to the doctor. However I'm grateful the children have the plan. There were times when the children didn't have coverage and couldn't go to the doctor because if even physicals and such. Thank you for making it possible for them to have the medical coverage available to them.

November 2001 is the last month we will be eligible and it has been very helpful financially. We really are glad it has been available to us in our time of need.

I am very thankful that they were able to help us at a time when we needed it. For we cannot afford health insurance for it is far too expensive. And it pleases me that they stepped in and helped us at a time I needed them. Even if they don't cover adult care, my children's health is very important to us.

I like that through the John Deere health plan my child is able to see my choice of Integra health doctors, we think that her doctor Dr. S.B. out of the Ankeny Integra Clinic is a godsend to our family. She couldn't be a better or more personable doctor.

I am very happy with the health plan because we have a good doctor. We had bad office help in Des Moines, so we changed doctors. We are treated a lot better now.

I like the medical care and medicine otherwise I would just have to stay sick.

We have been covered under all doctors we have seen, which is especially helpful if we can't get in to our regular doctor. Her dad is also covered, so this reduces a lot of stress we would have to face had we not had this health plan.

Just a very big thank you for providing my child with this coverage.

I appreciate this health plan very much. Thank you.

His doctor was assigned to him essentially (pediatrician) and I did not like him but we stay with him because he knows my son's asthma problems the best. His behavioral coverage and doctor are excellent!

My son needs allergy shots before he received them he could not be outside during PE, which the PE teacher didn't like. The allergy shots helped. He receives counseling for emotional problem. The state worker helped my son a lot I'm very thankful for the help and health care he gets. The clinic we go to is great. Every one there is very nice & helpful.

I am very thankful for any help we can get. Thank you very much.

I am very thankful to have it. My son is the most important thing in my life and his health care means the world to me. Thank you.

We use this health plan as our secondary for our daughter and it is a wonderful program. I don't feel that she has ever been discriminated against by any providers. We are very fortunate to have such caring doctors in our area. They are exceptional. Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion about this plan and our doctors. But most importantly thank you for the support given us by this medical plan.

I also carry my own primary insurance plan for my child. I'm not sure if anything such as prescriptions or specialist would be a problem with Medicaid. But if there were problems my primary insurance would take care of them.

I have been very pleased with it up to this point. Thank you.

The Survey

I need to know what does what level of schooling you have had has to do with this survey? Also do your people think that everyone who gets a Medicaid card is stupid? You asked the same questions in a different way. People aren't stupid and you people in the higher world really need to quit treating people like they are.

Comments on Multiple Issues

I think this survey is helpful but I think the survey really needs to be about Medicaid not the doctors we see on Medicaid. I have had many bad experiences with Medicaid, such as my son's plan suddenly being changed. This caused me to have to find him a new doctor. Or maybe you should ask questions about how DHS caseworkers treat us, and everything we have to go through to receive our benefits. The other thing that disappoints me is that other than when I was pregnant, I have never qualified for Medicaid and I don't have insurance available through work.

I like the fact with all the plans you are able to choose which Dr works well with you and your child. Thank you for being concerned about my child's well being. Need for more medical providers.

We need more better Dr.'s in Muscatine Co. and dentists are needed greatly.

We love the children's medical doctor and the care they are given. We have had no problems with eye care professionals either. Dental care was a nightmare! We have finally after 2 years, found a good dentist that would take us. Our first dentist pulled one of my son's teeth without talking to me first, filled 2 of my daughter's teeth without deadening the area first. My children were very scared of the dentist. Plus the assistant didn't wear gloves on the last visit. We never went back! It took a couple of months to find a new dentist that took Title 19.

Would like to see Child's health care providers get Child in to the doctor same day if possible. And to have Dr's, receptionist and nurses treat me with more respect. Also to do things on a timely manner. When something is talked to about concerns, follow through. Also I receive mixed messages from Dr's and visiting nurse.

My biggest problem is the time when I called & scheduled an appointment I expected my child to be seen within 15 minutes of the appointment time. Having to wait 3-7 days to get in for a routine visit is no problem but when my child is ill I won't wait 3-7 days. I find going to emergency is better even when emergency staff have critical patients to deal with. Your wait time is at least an hour shorter than walk in time or making an appointment at the doctor's office. Patient's time is valuable too. I don't get paid as much as the medical field so I have to work longer hours. Patients need to be considered more.

Iowa Health Solutions

Eligibility and Administrative Issues

I dislike how I didn't consent to being a HMO patient, they took it upon themselves to give me that.

I have the red one Medicaid. I like having the green one.

Don't really understand it. I thought it was just Title 19 and no difference from mine except his card was red and mine is green.

Lack of coverage when away from Des Moines area and no way to be reimbursed for care necessary away from the area.

I dislike because they don't pay for all of your doctor bill on your Medicaid bill.

Have not received a Medicaid card since child was put on foster care. Worker said just use old card number but Dr office will want new card?

I dislike all the trouble to get my children to be seen out at Iowa City with a preauthorization number that I have to give them to put in so that the bill gets paid.

Last month I didn't receive their cards and they needed to be seen the second day of the month and I didn't get the card till the 5^th.

Title 19, I always have to keep track of my sons Title 19 cards, because nobody has the time to do it themselves. I feel that if I don't get his cards at least I should at least get a letter in the mail that I should show his doctor or hospital, what to do, or at least what needs to be done so that I don't get the bill.

I told my case manager I received my re-enrollment forms late and under the circumstances I had to wait for my husband's paycheck stub copies. I would not have the forms in on time before the cancellation. Ms. S. told me this was fine, send them when I could & she would process them.

Primary Care Providers

Tried to find a new doctor since my twins out grew pediatrician. Have not found one. Wasn't happy with the last 2 doctors. I don't know where to go if we need medical care.

It is really hard to get in to a doctor if you have not seen him or her before or you are not a current patient. I have been told several times that the doctor is filled up or is not taking any more patients. I feel this is a big problem, because at one time I could not see a doctor because of this problem and was not allowed to see another doctor out of my county.

Doctors were very impersonal to my sons and I.

I just wish some Dr's would listen to you and you know how your own kid is, they don't. What I love is when I tell them so. When I am right and they were wrong. And I don't like a doctor tell me how to raise my kids.

Prescriptions

When a prescription is ordered and it's too expensive we have to wait a day to get it approved.

The Medicaid plan does not seem to take allergies and the health problems that can cause seriously. Since my son has not had his prescription for allergies we¹ve had far more congestion, sleep trouble, sickness, and down days. We have been very fortunate that asthma has not been a bigger issue. We really watch his environmental surroundings to try and help with these difficulties, but things were simpler when he could take the prescription.

Everything would be all right if Medicaid paid for babies' Tylenol. I am always told that won't cover so I am stuck with a fussy baby after his shots.

Dental

· My child only goes to the doctor for a cold or bellyache. I just wish that I could find a dentist that would take Title 19 and not act so stuck up. It's not right. I need to go and so does my daughter. I would like to get her teeth cleaned.

It's very hard to get dental care. The ones that take it don't anymore or they have their limit on the number of Medicaid patients they can take and they make you feel like you're not as important as the ones who have better insurance or cash to pay them. They say Medicaid doesn't pay them enough and it's not worth it. So how can we keep up our child's teeth? Orthodontic care is worse yet.

I was disappointed that my daughter needs braces on her teeth and it took 5 months for approval from insurance company.

My children haven't been to a dentist in years. The county of Muscatine does not have one dentist that takes Medicaid for services. My children's teeth are rotten, and they endure constant pain caused by cavities that could be prevented. I am 30 years old and will have to have false teeth soon because I can't even get mine cleaned or fixed. The closest facility is 1 hour away and I like many other low-income single mothers, cannot take off work to get there, or don't have any transportation for that far away.

Dental, dentists in Muscatine do not accept it.

Dental coverage is probably the biggest problem. We choose to take our children to a non-participating provider and pay the fees out of pocket because the only Medicaid dentist in our area is rude and judgmental. A wider choice of dentist is needed. Thank you.

I do have problems getting my son to a dentist and I don't think because I owe them $42 that should stop them from seeing my son. He needs to see a dentist he has 2 dead teeth because of a baseball accident. I would appreciate some help.

I wish there was a Dentist in Muscatine that accepted Medicaid. The closest one is Davenport which makes it difficult to get off work and take the kids out of school.
It is hard to find a dentist that will accept a medical card and they need to have a list of dentists that do so people wont have to call and be humiliated asking receptionists if they take the cards.

The fact that dentist care is not approved like health care.

I think it is hard for others to find a dentist. We do not have one in Story county that accepts Medicaid. I tried to find one when I was pregnant and had to drive 30-40 minutes, so I wasn¹t able to do that. That maybe a concern for parents with older children.

Discrimination

I don't have many problems at all. Of course we have the discrimination for welfare participants but that is to be expected.

People are very rude when you say you have HMO. You¹re looked down upon. No dentist wanted to see me and my family. One nurse even said,' I can't believe how clean you guys always are'. What? Are all HMO patients dirty? We are people too. We have feelings. We deserve just as much respect as the next guy.

There is often an underlying disrespect for people on Title 19 Medicaid. I had real insurance for a while and was very amazed at the difference in the way I was treated.

Get help that's real. The card keeps us from getting great help or medication.

Positive Comments

I really appreciate having the coverage for my child. If it weren't for this she would have no coverage. Thank you.

I am very satisfied with Medicaid. Thank you.

I'm grateful to be able to have this medical coverage. Cost wise, I'll not find any other insurance coverage as good as what I have now. Thanks for being there for all of us.

I'm very satisfied with Iowa Health Solutions as the Medicaid health plan for my child.

Nothing. It makes a difference when you could get Title 19 cause when you don't have it the kids suffer.

We no longer qualify for the health plan. But it helped us through a very hard time. I hope the program continues.

I told my case manager I received my re-enrollment forms late and under the circumstances I had to wait for my husband's paycheck stub copies. I would not have the forms in on time before the cancellation. Ms. S. told me this was fine, send them when I could & she would process them.

I feel it has satisfied all my child's needs. Currently and hasn't been hard for me to access.

Is a good plan!

Nothing, it satisfies us very much, and is very reliable for my child. I am so thankful for their help they have given to my child. Thank you so much.

It has really worked for our son. I'm so glad he was able to qualify. We could not afford his surgery or his medication.

Excellent plan. Very happy that my daughter can get insurance because I can't work full time due to college.

When we moved here from Illinois a year ago we were looking to get him on something like Kid Care. The medical card has been really good to have and the doctor that we heard good recommendations about just so happened to be on the list. Dr. S. F. He is very good with our child. Our only difficulty was not getting financial papers in on time and they discontinued his eligibility, but it was soon cleared up.

I am very pleased with the program.

The Survey

Please send the questions in Spanish.

Multiple Issues, General Comments

We really like her doctor, Dr. S. He is friendly and obviously loves kids. He makes us very comfortable with her care. We wish that the people at DHS would take more time to explain Medicaid to us.

I didn't appreciate how the HCHC lost my child¹s medical card at one visit. Then argued with me about how they gave the card back to him in the room when I was with him. Regarding J, the receptionist, with conversation on the phone. She was very rude to me. Otherwise there has been no problems except for dental too far away.

I find it incredibly annoying that we are required to show our Medicaid card at every visit even though we are in the computer and the clinic has easily available verification of our eligibility. We were charged more than $500 for services which should have been billed to Medicaid. When the clinic finally corrected their error we were refunded a portion. However the initial outlay of capital was difficult.

I wish there was some kind of health plan that would help me with the expenses of my prescriptions. I am now and have been experiencing post partum depression and have been given a prescription for Prozac for an entire year, due to my problems of crying spells, anxiety attacks, tiredness, and complete lack of motivation to care for myself. I received help from Medicaid for the first two months worth, which did wonders for me, but now I'm back where I was because I could not afford to continue treatment without insurance. The generic brand still costs $70.00 per month which is not affordable for me and income status. Please consider a longer time of eligibility for mothers such as myself who could greatly benefit from an extended program or at least a prescription card plan allowing discounted refills of the treatment required when approved by the physician. Thank you.

I really would like to get my kids to a dentist, but I can't find one. I would also like you to know I love my kid's pediatrics doctor and their nurse.

It's so very hard to find a dentist that takes Title 19. The care doctors and dentists give Title 19 patients is by far much less than a person who has health or medical insurance and pays for their own doctor visits or prescription drugs.

I have a big problem with the dentists here in my area. Moved to Iowa 3 years ago. Can find 2 dentists who will take the card. 1 lives 25 miles away and the other one is horrible. I went to him myself. Have no faith in him. Never had this problem in NH. She went to same dentist all her life was told people on Medicaid cards don't keep appointments or come. Why should we be punished for other people's actions? Closest town is Iowa City. Almost 100 miles away. Something needs to be changed around here. As far as dr. goes, she has had 3 different ones. Latest one was for her yearly physical. So I can't judge her only seen her for 10 minutes. Please do something about the dentists, it is a disgrace. Thank you.

We had a very hard time getting dental care. When we called the 800# they told us to go to Broadlawns. We needed a check up for school. The only Dr. we could find was in the Mall about 15 miles from our home. We would like a dentist we can feel good about and see all the time. We love our Dr.

Could I get SSI for him if possible and my little one? Thank you.

I have an education, I read or skimmed the materials and jumped through the correct hoops. Then chose a physician as though and with the idea that I have the power to make choices regarding my child's health and welfare. In short, I was already empowered to care for my children and not need the plan to empower me.

Coventry Health Care

Administrative

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to use my usual Title 19 card or the Coventry one that was sent.

Consultec or Medicaid in Des Moines said they would see if paying the premiums on my health insurance through my work would be cost effective. I sent them all the info in Feb. 2001 and haven¹t heard back yet. It is October. At the end of the year I¹m taking them off of my insurance at work.

Why is HMO an option on my kids and my medical cards but have Coventry Health care listed on the cards also?

This plan will not pay for all his Medicaid.

This Medicaid should be able to pay for all of my son's medical instead of me calling every month to get approved.

I have a problem when they change my health care provider time and time again. I've had to call the 800# and change it back. I've had the same Dr. my whole life. I'd like my daughter to do the same. We trust our Dr. I know he cares about us. He and his staff have been more than professionals. They're really humane. They care about people, all the time not just when it's convenient.

Still have not gotten the blue doctor card with my son's doctor since I changed it. I still have his old one.

Primary Care Providers

We never see our family doctor. We see every doctor in the clinic. I want to see our doctor every visit. I want a new plan.

I wish my child saw the same doctor every visit.

Our pediatrician was one of the doctors to choose on the Coventry plan so this was very easy for us.

Chiropractic

The thing I do not like about the plan is that we sometimes need to go to a chiropractic doctor and the plan will not pay for it.

Dental

I dislike the fact that my son's teeth need to have cavities filled and his dentist couldn¹t do it. So we were referred to some other dentist in Iowa City. When I stated that it would be hard to get to Iowa City I was rudely told that because I had missed an appointment I had originally set up, that doctor wouldn't see my son. I was told that there were no other doctors around my area.

I would like more information about dental care for my child. No dentists in the area will see children under 4 years old.

Vision

The eye care I have had to pay for the exams and also glasses, which cost over $200.00.

My concern is the help where eye care is paid more than the lens and frames are very expensive. In the last 7 months I had to pay $297.00 and some prescriptions was $49.00.

My son and I am required to go to an eye specialist and contact specialist every 6 months and lately we've had lots of problems getting a referral. We've been going to the same specialist for years now, and I don't think we should keep having to have a referral each time if it's continuing. I have contacted Coventry and sometimes they tell me we don't need one. This has caused a lot of problems. My sons needs contacts and sometimes they tell me we don't need one. This has caused a lot of problems. My son needs contacts and sometimes his prescription changes. I've come to find out that Coventry hasn't and won't pay for his contacts yet they are a need. I have been very upset with this continuing situation.

Positive Comments

Thankful it is available to me.

Delays in seeing mental health doctor are a problem of the doctors scheduling. Not the health plan. The plan is very good.

Everything is good. Thank you.

This is a good program and really do appreciate the program.

I think that the Medicaid health plan is good and especially Coventry health care plan.

I can get dental or optical care the way I want it.

Thoroughly satisfied at this time!

I rarely have to take the child to doctors, but the services is highly service great.

I don't have any problems with my daughters Medicaid. I have heard others horror stories but no errors have been made with my daughters plan. I've been very grateful to have it available for her and my son.

I have never had any major problems with my daughter's health care plan. Thank you.

I am very happy with the services I receive. I have not used the insurance beyond just doctor's visit but would hope I would receive the same excellent service.

Health plan I sign up for I didn't understand but now I know more about how plan is set up. I am happy to know about Medicaid help line. Thank you all.

The Survey

I answered all these questions about my child. There haven't been a lot of problems with her health care but there has with mine that has to do with my insurance. Where is my questionnaire?

Multiple Issues, General Comments

I didn't know they were choosing a doctor for my four children, but they did and they all got different doctors. My children already had a family doctor and that is who I still take them to but I think I am getting charged for some things I shouldn't. I'm not sure. Eye care is a big problem for us because only one eye doctor in our town accepts Medicaid and because of a past problem, my children can't see this doctor, so they have been waiting for a year or more to get glasses.

Delays in seeing mental health doctor are a problem of the doctors' scheduling. Not the health plan. The plan is very good.

I have a problem when they change my health care provider time and time again. I've had to call the 800# and change it back. I've had the same Dr. my whole life. I'd like my daughter to do the same. We trust our Dr. I know he cares about us. He and his staff have been more than professionals. They're really humane. They care about people, all the time not just when it's convenient.

When my baby was a month old, I took her to the doctor because RSV was going around the daycare that I worked in. when I brought her in we had gotten a different doctor than our normal doctor. The next day I had to rush her to the hospital because she was choking on the mucus. I was very upset that I had to rush her to the hospital after going to the doctor the day before.

MediPASS

Multiple Issues, General Comments

I feel generally the MediPASS program is a great experience. I personally have had no significant problems with this program. More written pamphlets, brochures, could be of benefit. Perhaps available in waiting room/lobby spin rack. Often time's people who learn you receive Medicaid are indifferent to you and treat you as simple minded, undereducated. I feel is a major factor. But no health professional has acted this way to me.

There are so many doctors and dentists that are not going to give you treatment.

The plan we have works good for us living in State Center. Our PA is wonderful. Only problem is, some medications are not covered. For example, an allergy med. So currently we are using Benadryl, which is not as effective. But our PA said to let him know and he would check on another. Our PA keeps in contact as to our child's problem

There is nothing wrong with the plan as far as paying the necessary bills, it is very good. The biggest problem is finding a dentist who will take someone with MediPASS and without driving 60-70 miles from where we live. I am very thankful that there is such a program. This was my biggest worry. The cost of health care for my grandchild. The added expense of health insurance for her.

That a dentist (oral) in our area will not take MediPASS anymore. I work 2 part time jobs in 1 day, but yet I¹m suppose to take off both jobs to go clear to Iowa City when my car wouldn't even make it. I'm tired of people acting like we are 2^nd hand citizens because I have children on MediPASS. I work but this is what works out best for me and my kids. If a doctor recommends tests on a child why does MediPASS not pay for it?

Problems with dental care, for quite awhile I couldn't find a dentist. Bad relations, poor treatment because of Medicaid coverage. Mental services are not compatible with school hours or work schedules. It would be nice to have one card for a 1-year or 6 months. Cards are easily lost month to month. Certain meds that were prescribed were not covered (Allegra, Cipro).

For parents who cannot afford other medical insurance. This is a blessing. For me, it ensures that my son get the care and medical attention that he needs. The only thing I don't like is how some medical offices, including dentist, react when you tell them what type of insurance you carry for your child. They act as if it pays them less than any other.

In most situations prior to our current doctor, we were treated with disrespect and like ignorant fools. We had to wait on numerous occasions for hours after our appointment time. We're very fortunate to have our current doctor.

Doctors and nurses are great. The person in the front desk scheduling or checking in are usually not nice once they know my kids are under Medicaid.

Eligibility and Administrative

There is no plan for myself. When I'm in school, I have had surgery twice on my back. I can't work and try to pay for health care is very hard. When you can't get help to pay for it. I think something needs to be done on this because when on medical needs is very expensive if a person can't work. Most doctors office or hospital will not see you if you don't have insurance which I don't have.

Mostly I worry about health care being available for my son after he turns 18, my work place doesn't offer a family plan.

I have two other children and would like to put them on the MediPASS option and I have called the hotline about it. A couple of times they keep telling me they are not eligible for a change and they never tell me when they will be. It's been two years and have not heard anything. That is my only concern or problem.

I hate it when I get bills sent to me for my son when I shouldn't get the bill. This doesn¹t concern my son but I hate it when you send bills to me for myself. I'm on Title 19 and have been for a long time. I wish you or whoever would take care of it. I'm paying $40 a month for 2 bills that didn't get taken care of for myself for 1995 and 1999. I won't have this taken care of until November of 2002 and hopefully I don't get any more bills that won't be paid. I'm on a fixed income as it is and I can't afford any more bills. Thank you.

What I don't like is that some how someone mixed up person id numbers for health cards and claimed that my child received care that he did not receive. The day in question he was in school and was healthy plus it took place somewhere other than where his medical care is provided. They tried to claim it on my supplemental insurance.

That when I went to visit my mom in California my son got hurt and took him to the hospital ER. The health plan didn't want to pay so I ended up with the bill. It was expensive. Still making payments. I don't think that's right since I take my son to doctor visits only prn.

It's hard to get kids to doctors like if you're not by home other doctors won't see you if it's not an emergency.

It doesn't pay for ambulance calls.

Medicaid is secondary coverage for my son, so Medicaid does not pay for much, but we still have a bunch of paperwork to fill out. If there was any way to make the paperwork less, it would help me and I'm sure a lot of other people out. It takes away time from our busy schedules, and it makes me wonder if it's even worth keeping for our family.

Sometimes unclear with paperwork. When and if he is eligible what they base it on? Why one of my kids qualifies and the other one doesn't. Basically DHS is a big joke, they screen phone calls and lie to you if your worker doesn't want to speak to you. I live 2 blocks from DHS and I drive by to see my worker's car there when I call and they say she is not there. Oh well!

This program has gotten me through tough times for the past 21 years. I'm grateful for Medicaid. I feel the income guidelines need to be changed. I had to get a second job to make ends meet. My benefits ended because I made too much money. Now insurance premiums are being deducted from my check. Now I'm right back where I was before. Living expenses are not included in the determination of eligibility. Rent, electric, phone, insurance (life, auto & health), gas and car expenses. You work 50-60 hours week and gross this much money. Your benefits stop. You're forced to quit this second job to get back on, so ends that extra income and down you go. I've experienced a lot in the last 21 years too much for this small space.

I have a concern about child support recovery unit. My payments are made late and the employer of my boyfriend, I think is embezzling our money.

Being on Title 19, bills that should have been paid were sent to me, and I had to get hold of caseworker and straighten things out. The caseworker isn't very helpful. She also has an attitude problem. It is like my child and I are dirt 'cause she is on Medicaid 19. I was until I made a simple mistake oversight on checking a box 9h. All I get is a run around, but this is government for you.

Sometimes the DHS worker has misplaced my paperwork that I have sent in and my benefits have been threatened to be discontinued. After contacting the worker and getting the problem resolved benefits were continued. I always get worried that my paperwork is not going to be handled properly. I have also had claims that have not been covered that I am in the process of getting covered.

No cooperation with caseworker to get my newborn Medicaid. Phone calls not returned. I am already being pursued by collections for the 9-20-01 birth.

Dislike being bumped off Medicaid because social worker is slow.

I think that if there is a procedure to be done on your child the Dr.'s office staff should let you know beforehand if it is not covered by MediPASS. My daughter went to the Dr. for a physical before school started. She had to have her ears cleaned out. I later found out that MediPASS wouldn¹t cover it. Also, I got a bill.

I don't like that since my husband has health insurance through his work that when I take the kids to the doctor they take both copies of their insurances but still seem to charge it to my husbands insurance and we always have to pay the $10 copay. I don't even know why they keep sending the Title 19 cards but it is nice when I take them to the dentist and eye doctor. Also, I took my son into the emergency room one night and gave them both insurance cards and we got a bill for over $200 because they charged it to my husband's insurance instead of using the Title 19 card. I can¹t figure it out.

My husband has health insurance on the boys and myself at his job. We are also covered on Title 19. I don't understand why I have to pay money out of my pocket on a doctor bill when I have both of these insurances. I'm separated from my husband.

I wish they would be more companies that would take Medicaid and not have hassle with the hospitals.

We use the Medicaid program as secondary insurance only.

Primary Care Providers

He should be allowed to see more than one doctor. I don't like having to choose one to put on the card when there are several good ones in our area and they aren't always working when you need them or you can't get in when you want to.

The choice of doctors was slim. We went with our second or third choice. Why are so many doctors not covered? We now have to drive 45 minutes away.

I don't like to have my child's doctor's name on the card. I would like to go back to John Deere for the whole family.

The only problem I have is when we are needed to choose a health care provider all the time. When I've had the same physician for over 15 years. It gets a little irritating once in awhile.

That someone else decides what doctor or doctors my child can or cannot see. Otherwise I think that this plan is a great one.

We have MediPASS and live 1 mile from a hospital, but our pediatrician lives 30 miles away. When we need emergency care we cannot take our children to the nearest ER because MediPASS will not pay if it is not the doctor on the card. I think that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Sometimes time is everything and 1 mile can be a lot better in a situation than 30.

I feel that one should be able to choose whomever they wish to see whenever they need to besides just the doctor on the plan. People more doctor patient relationships change. A certain clinic might be closer than another. I dislike being designated a HMO, because it restricts me to just one doctor and clinic, and I like being able to see whom I'd like to.

I don't like the fact that on this insurance you have to see whatever doctor is on call in the emergency room. I have called my regular doctor and still had to see the doctor on call. The doctor on call during my daughter's accident one time did nothing for her. I think my regular doctor would have done something.

The only thing I dislike is having an appointment time and having to wait for extended periods beyond that time. Also, most of the doctors at Medical Associates here in Clinton, Iowa, treat you in a hurried fashion. A lot of the time, you don't get the personal attention that your illness/injury requires, and you end up leaving with a lot of unanswered questions.

The only thing I dislike is that if our doctor is out or has a full schedule that we have to get it okayed from our doctor's office to see a different doctor.

Not all doctors accept Medicaid is my dislike.

Sometimes things aren't properly diagnosed.

Referrals and Specialists

I don't like MediPASS. I hate getting approval every time I take him to a specialist. They always have to call for approval. I think it is dumb.

The fact that if your doctor can't figure out what the problem is you have no one else to go to. If you think they need to see a specialist they can't unless your doctor agrees.

Prescriptions

She needs the medicine for allergies but every six months or so, Medicaid questions it when my pharmacist calls in and then I have to call the doctor and have the doctor write a letter. It is a problem. If she didn't need the medicine, I wouldn't be getting a prescription for it. I feel they should honor prescriptions without question, especially for allergies.

My child is in childcare. When we do ear drops we can only get one bottle at a time. It would be nice if I could get 2, one for home and one for child care.

No problems where my daughter is concerned. Have more problems with getting meds for my son.

The plan is good. We only had one problem with the service and that was trying to get a refill for a prescription, which was prescribed by a doctor. The pharmacy told me that they couldn¹t refill the prescription because the medical plan wanted the child to go without it for 6 months to see what happened.

I have 3 children on my health plan. I hate dealing with medication. I have had problems with them filling what was needed many times. Some were stomach meds and others type z meds.

Dental

The thing that I dislike is there is not a dentist in this town that will take Medicaid for payment. Muscatine, Iowa.

I don't like that our usual dentist is not on the plan. I do not like the dentist we had to go to, so we went back to our usual dentist.

The biggest problem is to find a dentist in the area to accept Medicaid and it is hard for me to go to Iowa City for care.

It would be very beneficial to area residents if there were an orthodontist who accepted Title 19 in this area. We have Dr. C., Cedar Falls as our doctor but it is an unreal distance once a month for a two-year period. However, Dr. C. is very efficient and kindly.

There are not enough dentists that accept Medicaid. It is very discouraging. We had a dentist in Burlington and missed an appointment and refuse to take us back as patients because they don¹t like to take Medicaid patients.

When is the problem of dentists taking MediPASS going to be taken care of? My son has seen one dentist and he said several things that would need to be watched. The only reason that dentist took him was because he was doing it for Head Start. My son is now in 1^st grade. It is starting to concern me that he will be having problems with his adult teeth starting to come in. He needs to be seen. But we cannot find anyone that will take him that is within an hour of one-way travel.

I feel it is very difficult to find a dentist around our town. We have to usually travel 36 miles to see one. And my concern is what happens when one of my children hurt their mouth or breaks a tooth. Then what? I can¹t always afford to drive them or get time off of work.

There should be more dentists that take Medicaid.

Discrimination

For parents who cannot afford other medical insurance. This is a blessing. For me, it ensures that my son gets the care and medical attention that he needs. The only thing I don't like is how some medical offices, including dentist, react when you tell them what type of insurance you carry for your child. They act as if it pays them less than any other.

In most situations prior to our current doctor, we were treated with disrespect and like ignorant fools. We had to wait on numerous occasions for hours after our appointment time. We're very fortunate to have our current doctor.

Doctors and nurses are great. The person in the front desk scheduling or checking in are usually not nice once they know my kids are under Medicaid.

I feel generally the MediPASS program is a great experience. I personally have had no significant problems with this program. More written pamphlets, brochures, could be of benefit. Perhaps available in waiting room/lobby spin rack. Often time's people who learn you receive Medicaid are indifferent to you and treat you as simple minded, undereducated. I feel is a major factor. But no health professional has acted this way to me.

The office personnel at the clinic are very rude, on the phone and in person.

Positive Comments

All the things are okay. Thank you.

It would be nice to be able to go to any doctor you choose at the given time. But I really think overall it is a good program.

I have always been satisfied with the care we get from Drs., Dentists or otherwise. When calling in help has always been given right away or have been pointed in the right direction.

I signed up for Medicaid so my child would be covered for any health concerns I had. I am a single parent who can't afford medical insurance and I had no problems getting it . My caseworker has always been available when I needed her.

I like her MediPASS. I do wish it would cover things like lazy eye surgery or braces. She doesn't need braces but it would be nice for people who really need them but can't afford them.

I appreciate having it.

I'm so grateful for this insurance for my son!

I like my child's health plan very well. Fortunately we haven't needed to see a doctor or go to the emergency room since January of this year. Occasionally she does need to have medication for her asthma and when we need the help we get it from her personal doctor. Thank you for your concern for our feelings and thoughts.

I wanted to let you know how much I needed this plan for my son. It has helped me and him so much. He has had excellent care. He needed surgery on his knee a year and a half ago. The specialists was very good, he got wonderful care. Again I want to thank you for this medical care.

This is a great program and give me the peace of mind that my child will be cared for even when I don¹t have any money.

I am generally satisfied with the MediPASS coverage that my daughter has. Than you for your concerns.

I've never had a problem with her health care provider.

I like it a lot. It helps out me and my daughter with the care we need. Thank you.

I'm very happy about how easy the Medicaid plan is to use. Thank you for the program because it helps me provided great health care for my children. I work full time but what I make I couldn't buy health insurance. Please keep this great program for our children. Thank you.

I'm satisfied with the Medicaid health plan that me and my son has and I'm very satisfied with the doctor and the clinic we go to. I have not changed a doctor or clinic and do not plan to.

No problems, I was able to retain my child's primary care physician when I requested changing from the physician chosen for her. The plan has helped with an emergency room visit and a pair of eyeglasses. Thank you.

In April of 2001, my son's health provider would not do anything for the problems with his ears. I changed providers and received the referral to ENT and within 1 week he received surgery to remove his tonsils, adenoids, and tubes put in his ears. He had excellent care. I am very happy with Medicaid and my son¹s new provider.

Our town is small, our doctor is right down the street and knows us well, we like that. We feel lucky to have such a well-educated doctor as ours. Very lucky.

I'm very happy with the doctor I have now, but my girls did have a doctor at the University Hospital general ped's earlier and had many bad experiences. Never saw the doctor we signed up for, was always seeing residents. Also never the same. Therefore every visit was like starting over. Waiting long periods of time between seeing doctor to nurse giving shots, etc. my daughter also has a condition which the doctor there never seemed bothered to check on, but when I switched her new doctor he was alarmed to hear no action had been taken, though I mentioned it at every visit. He discussed it with me and gave me some help. I feel much better.

I wouldn't change a thing about the health plan. I know there are many families out there that are very thankful and appreciate health plans such as Medicaid. I know I wouldn't know what to do without it. Thank you.

I am very happy with my child's health plan.

We are very happy with the health care coverage. We have had no problems getting him in to see a doctor when one was needed. The doctor he has is very good and takes the time to answer questions we have. It is reassuring to have Medicaid, to know that it sure if son gets sick he can get medical attention without having to worry if we can afford it or not.

Dr G.B. at Mercy family practice in Cedar Rapids is the best doctor ever.

I like the doctor that my child goes to now. The Redfield Clinic and EF are great. I did, however, have a problem with my child¹s first doctor. Three months after my son was born he cancelled me and my family as a client. He used the excuse as lack of showing up.

No questions, but sure like the Medicaid for my boys.

I feel generally the MediPASS program is a great experience. I personally have had no significant problems with this program. More written pamphlets, brochures, could be of benefit. Perhaps available in waiting room/lobby spin rack. Often time's people who learn you receive Medicaid are indifferent to you and treat you as simple minded, undereducated. I feel is a major factor. But no health professional has acted this way to me.

I feel that the Medicaid program is great for people like or family, who is finishing college and their education to make a better future for the family. This program has helped our family greatly. Thank you.

I like the help you get. As of 11/1/01. My daughter will no longer receive Title 19. I am lucky her doctor clinic is so great but while I was on until last 09/01 I was treated like crap, like scum for being on it and wasn't listened to. I think its great to have and when you have nothing and hate seeing people abuse it.

Clarion is our main medicine and it has to be approved. So it usually takes awhile to get the prescription filled which is sometimes inconvenient. Otherwise Iowa Medicaid is excellent. Thank you. Also we love not having to do monthly reports.

I feel generally the MediPASS program is a great experience. I personally have had no significant problems with this program. More written pamphlets, brochures, could be of benefit. Perhaps available in waiting room/lobby spin rack. Often time's people who learn you receive Medicaid are indifferent to you and treat you as simple minded, undereducated. I feel it is a major factor. But no health professional has acted this way to me.

His Title 19 card has been very valuable and provides peace of mind.