received medical bill

Well, that stinks!  However, if the hospital "accepts assignment," it means they are supposed to accept whatever Medicaid or Medicare pays as full payment.  If they changed Medicaid companies on you, you should get not only a new insurance card, but also a printed explanation of benefits...things they cover.

Don't worry about the bill.  If you should end up having to be responsible for that balance, send them only what you can each month...even if it's only $1 a month...and there's nothing they can do.  They can't turn it over to a collection agency or dun you for it, as you are showing "intent to pay." 

Dear Karen,

My dear friend is going through something similar.  Here's what I found out:  Once you get SSI benefits you must fill out new forms (dept of social services has them).   You are considered "different" now that you have SSI and must let medicaid know.   At one time this was done automatically but in 1998 fed laws changed and now you must take the "extra step" of notifying them because you are getting SSI.   Just what you need.   Thank you for sharing what you are going through.   I read the forum (but have never posted before) and it has help me so much in coping with my friend's illness.  

Joan

As others have stated, if you do have to pay the balance, contact the hospital to get on a payment plan.  This is something that you can do regardless.  I was in the hospital back in May for about 5 days and during that time, I had a liver biopsy, much bloodwork taken - needless to say my mouth dropped to the floor when I received the hospital bill, and my insurance covered most of it, the amount i owe is about $1700! 

I hope things work out for you! Keep your head up!