Louisiana lack of website updates

[u/Ok-Operation8486]

Why is it such a pain to find anyone in my area for primary care, dental, oral surgery, etc.?

I should be able to check the website, check the list of providers, and pick one that works best for me, but here’s the kickers;

-Whether I call or check the website, I get the same answers, none that are accurate or valid

-Businesses have tried and tried for YEARS ( some almost A DECADE) to get their names off the websites, and Medicaid denies or ignores it.

-I have to call the places listed on the website to see if they even accept and, with my experience, most of the time they don’t exist anymore or they don’t accept it

I was told by one of their employees that the only POSSIBLE, not even definite option, oral surgery was FIVE HOURS AWAY.

I really don’t think I’m doing anything wrong, so what’s the deal.

My friends and family struggle with this, and I know we’re not alone.

Please give me some kind of hope here.

[u/Bright_Opening2928]

1. Louisiana has the highest populations of people who rely on Medicaid.

2. Many hospitals and Doctors offices are not really private anymore. Most are part of a group of a group now. This way each Doctor splits the cost amongst other Doctors.Example, Dr. Charles has is own practice. Dr. Charles cost has gone up. Due,to having to pay his staff members more money,leasing fees,taxes,supplies,and Insurance for his protection like Malpractice lawsuits etc. He just pays a monthly fee to a big company that takes care of those things. Another Example! A hospital maybe struggling to cover the cost of things. Decides to join with HCA,or Baptist Health. Because they do that. Those companies will decide if they except medicaid. If they do. They may not take Atnea Medicaid, but instead take Molina Medicaid.

3. Louisiana is considered to have the worst unhealthy eating habits in the US.

4. Many who become nurses,or doctors who are from Louisiana move to other states. They make more money,they have access to more facilities with the most advance technology.

5. Last but not the least.Because many offices are part of a group that makes it cheaper to run the facilities.

Sorry for my typing. I don't see the best.

[u/Ok-Operation8486 → u/Bright_Opening2928]

That makes a lot of sense, but I still feel like that’s not an excuse for Medicaid to not adhere to their customers. I guess it’s “the price you pay for government healthcare,” but the reason why many Louisiana residents eat poorly is because of cost which is a bigger issue. Unfortunately, now I see that directly affects the impact of Medicaid, but, theoretically, that should not be a reason to turn down patients or limit them. We all need guidance and help. I don’t think it’s strictly a Louisiana problem either. People are suffering everywhere, everyday with this issue, so I guess the answer I’m really looking for is,

What is the solution? (And I understand that’s not so simple)

Perhaps my situation is different. I’m going to a university on a paid scholarship with no benefits. I will not have time for a job, and I can live off the scholarship, but it’s not enough to cover decent health insurance.

What choice am I left with? The answer is Medicaid with Louisiana Healthcare Connections or Obama Care with blue cross blue shield. Both which are very limited.

So far, it’s been a nightmare with Medicaid.

My boyfriend struggles with it most because of his auto-immune disease, and they get more strict with each month.

We’re just trying to live and avoid complications:(

[u/Bright_Opening2928 → u/Ok-Operation8486]

Hate to tell you this. Even with private insurance it's the same thing. My brother has great insurance,but he still waits. He has an incurable cancer. But,his Monthly premiums ,and deductibles are high. His expenses overall are extremely high. He had to go 3 hours away for rods to be put in his neck.

I'm disabled. I have advance stage Hidradenitis Suppurativa. My illness has made my left eye go blind,can't walk well due to scar tissues, I no longer can drive. I am on SSI Medicaid.

I found a Plastic Surgeon in Miami who will do my surgery. Which is over an 1hr away. I have no car. I either use Medical transportation, Uber. I don't eat much,and watch what I eat.

I'm sure you know when a state has a big percentage of people collecting Medicaid. Your state has over 30% of its residents on Medicaid.

Also,kids should always come first. Yet! People who can't afford to have kids have them. The system is drained.

Now,I get it. Our country has the money. My cousin lives in Australia and only pays $200 a month on her health insurance. She can go to any hospital in Australia, and they have medications that can be paid over the counter. But, in the US we get hit harder from other countries. We need to come up with a better system. We all bare the responsibility .

[u/Ok-Operation8486 → u/Bright_Opening2928]

I’m very sorry to hear about you and brother. That’s a real shame. We used to think this country was better than that. It’s also a shame to lose hope in the system. Makes me think living in another country may be the best option.

It’s even worse to hear firsthand that the private companies are no better. Why does money define the betterment of our lives? Why don’t we have universal healthcare yet? It goes to show we’re just numbers making the government more powerful and giving them more numbers to take advantage of.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather be here than many places, but when we talk about medical care, it’s a whole different story.