frustrations with applying for medicaid

I just need to vent.
I can't seem to get anywhere with this for the last 2 weeks (fast going on 3). I have tried applying several times. Either the state online application system is down, or their phones are down, or they don't answer the phone. I have filled out the stupid application at least a half-dozen times only to have the system freeze before submission, not save my application, or simply not register that I sent it in. When I try to call them to talk to a live person (either with questions or so tell them about the system glitches), I navigate their stupid phone system for 10 minutes before being able to have the option to talk to a person, then their system hangs up on me. Their office is far away, so it's difficult to get to in person. I'm about to give up and forget it completely. This is so frustrating. I barely have the energy and attention to do this once, forget about going at it for weeks at a time. I would try to contact a case manager to get help, but I need the benefits to be able to qualify for a case manager...
I feel like I'm smacking into a wall at every turn. I hate dealing with state agencies down here... I want to be able to get benefits to be able to tackle the crap that has come up, but I can't get anywhere with it. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for letting me vent...

dealing with Medicaid is certainly frustrating. I am sorry that you are encountering so many difficulties. I hope you feel better now that you have vented. take care.

I sympathize. Medicaid and "the system" is designed - I'm more certain of this than ever before - to get the quitters so frustrated that they quit. What I mean is that for those who aren't tenacious enough or pigheaded enough to stomp your feet and say notice me darn it, then they feel meh, you don't really need our help and we'll get busy helping someone who does.

You're going to have to find a way to go there in person. Go early in the morning and ask to speak to an "on call caseworker" - tell them that you're experiencing multiple problems applying. Above all BE NICE .... be syrupy nice. These in person places can understandably get heated. I do not envy their jobs having people scream at them for things that are beyond their personal control. So be extra sweet, compliment a necklace, a blouse, a tie.... believe me I've done it - and it works.

If you absolutely can't can't won't go in person, the only thing I can suggest is checking online to see if your state has "(nameofyourstate) benefit bank" site - what that is here in Ohio, is where places like food pantries and social service agencies can help you apply right there and then. Also, check with your local hospitals to see if they have a liasion that helps with such things. Here where I live in Toledo, Ohio, there is a H.E.L.P program (Hospital Eligibility Liason Program) ... they advocate for assistance and benefits for people (hooray!). Lastly, every state, every city usually has a United Way - Contact them!!! Usually you can call 211 or check at 2-1-1 Call Center Search to see what is available in your area.

Going in person is best, but try these other suggestions as well. Good luck!

I agree with transientsoul, you likely need to go to the office in person. You deserve the benefits, I know how frustrating this process can be from experience with it and SSI, I hope you don't give up.

Is there any little healthy reward you can give yourself for every time you work on this?