Welcome to Medicaid (puke)

I feel like I got a crash course this afternoon in the HORRIBLENESS that is Medicaid.

And then I think back and realize the people I spoke with were helpful (better than the post office) and while the information I was provided was not complete, it as least wasn't wrong.

And I shudder.

Because I realize it could be SO MUCH WORSE!

Arrow (another grumble for another time, because SERIOUSLY people!  Do your job!) has only sent a partial file and the lady I'm talking with here (who is fabulous, but (of course...can we say "turn over") is only in this position until November 19) needs my complete and updated application (that she hasn't yet received from the Houston office of the SAME COMPANY).

(Y'all followed all of that rant, right? :))

So I've been madly filling out paperwork today.  I need a new pediatrician and pediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid.  (You were wondering when I would get back to the title's topic, weren't you?  No?  Because we're friends and  you know I rabbit trail?  Oh, ok. :)  I called one pediatric dentist, but they don't accept Medicaid.  The lady graciously suggested I call Medicaid for a list of dentists.  I then googled Medicaid and began the 30 minute long process to find the TEXAS part of the website and then HALLELUJAH a phone number! (Yes, that's all I needed.  Yes, it took 30 minutes.)  Then called and the automated system wanted my Medicaid pin number.  Um, I don't have one.  ??

I'll fast forward through the next bit...because as interesting as they are (cough, cough) 

I love how the list of four names the lady gave me were not actually pediatric dentists, but oral surgeons and orthodontists, but the MOST HELPFUL PEOPLE EVER were the ladies that answered the phones at all those offices.  (Shout out to Morgan from Monarch Dental...You rock!) and I now officially have a pediatric dentist that accepts all 3 forms (Did you know there were three different forms of Medicaid?  because I, naively, did not.)

Whoo-hoo!

I also was able to speak with the fire marshal and found out that I need TWO, count them TWO fire extinguishers (one for each level) and they're $50/piece.  Joy.  Anyone want to sponsor a soon-to-be foster family?  How anyone makes money on this process, I have no idea.