Waiting 6 Months to See a Specialist for My Son's Chronic Ear Infections

E.J. is an international Ph.D. candidate attending college in Hillsborough County. The school provides her with a small stipend which is the sole source of income for herself, her husband, and their two children. E.J. is the only one in the family with a social security number and health insurance. Without a social security number, her husband cannot work.

E.J.'s six-year-old son has had multiple ear infections which have impacted his hearing. His teacher has sent several notices home informing the parents he cannot hear in class. After learning about the healthcare navigation services provided by the Family Healthcare Foundation, E.J. met with a navigator, Taralynn, who helped her to apply for Medicaid for her children. The process was long and slow, requiring documentation at every step, but Taralynn helped to overcome the hurdles at each step. "Finally my children became eligible for Medicaid coverage," E.J. shares. "I appreciate Taralynn's help and that of the Department of Children and Families.”

Now that her children have coverage, E.J. has been working to find an ENT to treat her son. So far, none have availability to see him sooner than six months away. E.J. fears that, in that time, her son's worsening condition could have a negative effect on his development and that he, an avid student, will start falling behind at school. E.J. remains grateful that her children have coverage, but is concerned that they haven't been able to receive timely care.

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Healthcare Navigators across the state of Florida are assisting individuals like E.J. to find affordable coverage and care. To access free assistance from a qualified local Navigator, contact Covering Florida at www.coveringflorida.org.