State Assistance

[ginger71]

What is the name of your state? IN

1. For about one year, my step-daughter was on state assistance (Medicaid) in Michigan until my husband was able to get her on his insurance. The mother still receives financial assistance through the state of MI. (because she will only work 3 nights a week, as opposed to trying to find a full time job) Now that my husbands daughter is on his insurance, is he responsible for paying back the amount of money that the state gave to his daughter during that time? Who can my husband contact to find out this information? Is it possible that his daughter still receives some sort of state assistance because of the mother? She will not tell him..is there a way he can find this information out? He pays over $400 dollars a month in support, so there should be no reason that his daughter is not financially taken care of.

2. Would a court allow him to have primary physical custody based on the fact that he can provide better financially? He works full time- day shift. He would be able to spend more time with the daughter. Any thoughts as to what judges base their decision on when it comes to custody?

Thanks!

 

[kidoday]

The FOC updates insurance information every two years. Contact the FOC in the county that has jurisdiction to make sure that the proper insurance information is on record. If the FOC doesn't have his current insurance information on record request an update due to change of circumstances.

Yes he will be more than likely be responsible for re-payment.

Custody? What county are you in?

Edit:

2. Would a court allow him to have primary physical custody based on the fact that he can provide better financially?

Finances aren't considered in custody. Just because one parent has better finances, doesn't make them a better parent.

 

[ginger71]

I would rather not mention county names, etc., for fear that the mother may be reading this. The FOC has the updated insurance information already. How do we find out what, if anything, he needs to pay back? Just contact FOC? Would they know?

 

[Whyte Noise]

What is the name of your state? IN

1. For about one year, my step-daughter was on state assistance (Medicaid) in Michigan until my husband was able to get her on his insurance. The mother still receives financial assistance through the state of MI. (because she will only work 3 nights a week, as opposed to trying to find a full time job) Now that my husbands daughter is on his insurance, is he responsible for paying back the amount of money that the state gave to his daughter during that time?

****** Probably so. The state wants their money back usually.

Who can my husband contact to find out this information?

******The State of Michigan Dept. of Social Services.

Is it possible that his daughter still receives some sort of state assistance because of the mother?

****** Sure it is.

She will not tell him..is there a way he can find this information out?

******The state won't tell him anything.

He pays over $400 dollars a month in support, so there should be no reason that his daughter is not financially taken care of.

******I agree.

2. Would a court allow him to have primary physical custody based on the fact that he can provide better financially?

****** Nope. Being able to provide better financially doesn't necessarily make one a better parent.

He works full time- day shift. He would be able to spend more time with the daughter.

******OK

Any thoughts as to what judges base their decision on when it comes to custody?

****** First and foremost, they base their decision on what is in the best interest of the child. Is daughter doing bad in school? Being abused? Not doing well in general? Does your husband have proof of this? How would it be in her best interest to be placed with the father as opposed to staying with the mother? These are just a sample of the things a court can look at in determining on whether to change custody or not.

Thanks!

 

[ginger71]

I understand that he is responsible for paying back for the time she was on state assistance. But, how is it fair for him to be paying support, providing insurance, etc....but, she is still on assistance? Just because the mom is too lazy to get a full time job, he has to pay? He would never be able to get away with only working part time. He works hard now to make the support payment . The courts don't care if he has to get a second job even to pay the support. I guess what I'm trying to say is...if she could be with him and not have to be on state assistance, wouldn't that be better? Then, no one would owe the state.

 

[kidoday]

Don't get me going on the fairness of it all. Ask MissouriGal. I do not agree with it nor will I ever.

As far as custody is concerned like MissouriGal stated, a custody change in Michigan and depending on the county is hard to change unless you can prove the facts that she stated.

If the FOC has the most current information regarding insurance then they should be able to make sure she isn't using state assistance. Make sure your husband follows up on this, because we all know that some government employees don't implement their own rules. Make continuous calls to your case worker and follow them up in writing. This will also give you documentation that you have given the proper notice and request that state assistance isn't being used.

It is ironic, my ex went through the same thing, however, he lives in Michigan dealing with Indiana courts.

 

[ginger71]

I understand that he is responsible for paying back for the time she was on state assistance. But, how is it fair for him to be paying support, providing insurance, etc....but, she is still on assistance? Just because the mom is too lazy to get a full time job, he has to pay? He would never be able to get away with only working part time. He works hard now to make the support payment . The courts don't care if he has to get a second job even to pay the support. I guess what I'm trying to say is...if she could be with him and not have to be on state assistance, wouldn't that be better? Then, no one would owe the state.

 

[kidoday]

I said it wasn't fair. It isn't. I can't explain it correctly, nor can any of our politicians.

 

[ginger71]

How do we know who the "case worker" is? We seem to talk to different people each time we call FOC and we never get the same answer twice. They are very inconsistent.

 

[kidoday]

Call and ask who is on your document number. Each case worker is assigned a document number. There is also a supervisor over each case worker.

 

[kidoday]

Ginger, I think you can pm me your county so the ex doesn't see it.

If it says I don't accept pm's let me know.

 

[ginger71]

What is the importance of knowing the county? Do things vary from county to county?

 

[kidoday]

Yes they do, drastically.