My sister was just diagnosed

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The specialist recommended therapy and medication, my sister is unemployed and uninsured. Will a diagnosis make her eligible for Medicaid? I want her to be able to see a therapist but cannot afford the visits and cannot put her on my insurance without claiming her as a dependant which I don't want to do, she is an adult and should be treated as such. Any advice/opinions?

Welcome to WrongPlanet.

Is your sister collecting unemployment benefits? If not, what is her source of income? In the USA, if she qualifies for social services due to her low income status, she automatically is eligible for Medicaid. She does not need a diagnosis to qualify for Medicaid. Anyone with a low income that meets state eligibility guidelines can receive Medicaid.

Check with your local social services office in your county to determine her Medicaid eligibility...and apply for any other services that she is eligible for as well.

Also, she does not need to be your dependent to be eligible for social services and Medicaid. In fact, if she were your dependent and your income is high enough to be over the income guidelines for Medicaid eligibility, she could be denied Medicaid.

Good insights from Zsazsa.
Also, connect with your local autism/asperger's advocacy or support group. There will be people there who have local insights and a friendly hand. Thank you for caring for your sister and respecting her. She will go far with your support.

Peter

I got a gold card and Medicaid and I was an illegal immigrant! It's easier than you think. If your sister is having problems that are so bad she needs to be hospitalized, they will take her in (they have to) and/or refer her to a clinic that will give her free meds (they have to, if you provide proof you're broke) and direct or refer her to places to get therapy, and support groups.

To WrongPlanet!! !

Is your sister collecting unemployment benefits?

She was (she just moved here from CA) but hasn't received any since the move and now the unemployment folks in CA want to conduct a phone interview with her to determine her eligibility. If that doesn't go well my guess is that she will no longer receive unemployment which-I must admit-scares the hell out of me as I am not at all financially stable

Thanks for the information and kind words everyone, I feel like I am doing everything wrong

Welcome to WrongPlanet!

Well, I am glad to see a supportive sister in you, AlphaSister. You'd done your best, and I'm happy that you'd at least intended to do something good for your sister. Good job anyway, despite what had happened.