Woman files suit against DHS over private-option delay

A woman has filed a lawsuit against the state Department of Human Services over the delay of her private-option coverage.

Anita Walker, who works as a full-time personal caregiver, alleges her 10-month wait for coverage through the private option threatens her employment and health, according to a statement from Legal Aid of Arkansas, who is filing the lawsuit on her behalf.

Walker says she applied for the private option twice, once last November and once in January, and both times she was told there was no record of her application. She appealed her delay, and it was dismissed by the department.

Legal Aid of Arkansas says that the lifting Walker’s job requires has left her with pain in both shoulders and that she can’t afford an MRI so doctors can diagnose and treat her. Doctors won’t order the $900 procedure until she has health insurance, and she says she soon won’t be able to continue working full time without treatment.

The lawsuit alleges the department “violated its responsibility to supervise the Medicaid program, promptly enroll all qualified Arkansans who apply, coordinate with the Federal Marketplace to make sure that people have “no wrong door” to services and give appeals to anyone who waits more than 45 days for a decision,” Legal Aid of Arkansas attorney Kevin De Liban said in a statement.

Read Saturday's Arkansas-Democrat Gazette for full details.

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