Single Mom Chronicles: Why Being Proud Is Not An Option?

 

I have learned as a single mom who wears many hats being proud is not an option! You learn quickly that assistance may come in unexpected places.

When you experience job loss, it is not only significant due to a reduction in income but also the loss of healthcare after 30 days.   I never worried about coverage for myself but it is critical for my kids.   During my first layoff,  I applied for CHIP(Childrens Health Insurance Program) and was given a manageable premium for the first year and a $0 premium for the second year.

After losing my job this year, I was really concerned with having healthcare  to cover my DD’s asthma medication.   I also realized the medical plans offered through the Healthcare Marketplace were cost prohibitive.   Prior to termination of my employer benefits,  I applied for CHIP and when I called to check the status of my CHIP application I was surprised with the status.  My reduction in income met eligibility for state assistance for the three of us. State Assistance offers 4 plans in which you have to select before the deadline given otherwise the state will select your plan and PCP. It is simple to enroll either by mail or online. Also the state provides multiple reminders via phone to inform you on receipt of the enrollment form as well as the deadline to complete the enrollment form and return on or before the deadline.

Fortunately for me I was able to select a plan accepted by the kids’ pediatric group. The plan covers medical, dental and vision with no copays.    Our dental coverage is through the end of July with  Delta Dental.   I am hopeful this is short term  but nonetheless I am grateful.

I always felt receiving state assistance had a negative connotation however I am so over feeling proud.    Yes, we have yellow Access cards for medical, dental and vision coverage. Yes, I have one less thing to worry about in terms of my children’s healthcare.  I am grateful. 

The moral of this story is never be too proud to accept assistance for what you need for yourself and your child(ren).

Another morsel of information I learned from  mommy blogger, Muffy Mendoza over at Brown Mamas.   Some of the area museums offer discount admission with an ACCESS card.  Your admission is $2 per person up to four people. The  article from the Philadelphia Inquirer can be found here Museum Discount.

If you are in the city of Philadelphia and have an ACCESS card here are the institutions:

• Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
• African American Museum in Philadelphia
• American Swedish Historical Museum
• Barnes Foundation; Eastern State Penitentiary
• Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground
• Independence Seaport Museum
• Morris Arboretum
• Mütter Museum
• National Constitution Center
• National Museum of American Jewish History
• University of Pennsylvania Museum; the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
• Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
• Please Touch Museum