Blumenthal: Computer glitch causes Alzheimer's patient to lose medical benefits

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he is investigating after a computer glitch caused an elderly Alzheimer's patient to lose her medical benefits, leaving her family wondering how they will care for her.

News 12 Staff

Oct 12, 2019, 4:57 PM

Updated 1,651 days ago

Share:

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says he is investigating after a computer glitch caused an elderly Alzheimer's patient to lose her medical benefits, leaving her family wondering how they will care for her.
Mercedes Herron, 86, has stage four dementia.
Her family says the burden of caring for someone with this condition is physically and emotionally exhausting to begin with — but then, over the summer, it got harder.
A letter came in the mail saying many of her essential medical benefits had been cut. Even though it was quickly determined that a computer glitch was to blame, daughter Jeanette Herron says she has not yet been able to get the problem fixed.
“I promised my father I would not put my mother in a home and I'm not going to do it,” she told News 12. “Whatever I have to do, I'm going to keep her home."
The family says caring for Herron is now breaking them financially, as well as emotionally, because they don't have coverage for some of the most basic supplies -- like diapers and the nutrition drink Ensure.
They also don't have coverage for essential services, like home care, so family members can go to work and earn the money to buy the things that are not covered by insurance.
Sen. Blumenthal says he going to “fight to cut through the bureaucratic obstacles here so Jeanette Herron and her mom can benefit as they deserve from the Medicaid program."
Jeanette Herron says as a member of the Bridgeport City Council, it's her job to help people -- so not being able to help her own mother is especially frustrating.


More from News 12
2:24
Nearly 100-year-old time capsule discovered by Norwalk demo crew

Nearly 100-year-old time capsule discovered by Norwalk demo crew

2:12
Rain is on the way for tonight and early Saturday, warmer temps on the way

Rain is on the way for tonight and early Saturday, warmer temps on the way

2:25
CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

1:14
Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

1:50
FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

0:29
Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

0:21
Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

0:29
Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:34
Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

2:05
Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

0:46
CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

2:05
Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

0:22
NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

1:58
Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border