SUCCESS STORY

Alan’s daughter Lily suffered from asthma, but he could not find a doctor to treat her because they lacked insurance. Alan had applied for Healthy Families, a state-run, low-cost insurance program for children, but his application was mired in bureaucratic delays lasting nearly three months. Healthy Families pressed Alan for a premium payment, although one had already been sent, and gave him only one option for his daughter’s health plan. Meanwhile, Lily’s asthma was worsening. What could Alan do to ensure that Lily receive the medical services she needed?

How Legal Aid Helped
As part of our Health Consumer Center (HCC), Legal Aid encouraged Alan to schedule a doctor’s appointment for Lily.

• The attorney filed an appeal to Healthy Families and served as an advocate for Alan’s family.

• Healthy Families immediately processed Alan’s application, and Lily’s health insurance began the day of her doctor’s appointment.

• Legal Aid then used this case as an example for the need to expedite the application process. After meeting with Healthy Families officials, the rules of application have now been revised. As of January 1, 2007, premium payment and health plan selection are no longer required to process Healthy Families applications.

Today Lily’s asthma is under control, and other children throughout California can get the treatment they need with speedier approval from Healthy Families.

To help children like Lily, please give a gift.