You get a notice of the hearing date from a Human Services Judge. If you need more time to get ready, or can’t go on the date they give you, ask the judge for a “continuance.” A continuance means that the judge sets a later date for the hearing. The phone number to call DHS to ask for a continuance is on the hearing notice.
Get copies of your recent medical records from your doctor and any hospitals, emergency rooms or clinics you went to recently. The county or your managed care health plan should pay for the records. You can also ask your doctor to write a letter about how your condition limits you and why you need PCA help.
If you are appealing because your PCA hours were reduced, get copies of your previous PCA assessments. If you have a health plan, ask the health plan for the old assessments. You can also ask your PCA agency for them or the county.
You can have witnesses at the hearing. You, your PCA, and others who know about your condition and why you need PCA help can testify at the hearing. The judge needs to know your witnesses’ names and phone numbers.
Mail or fax copies of the documents and witness information to the judge before the hearing. Also send copies of all these things to your health plan or the county. If your hearing is in person you can bring your papers to the hearing.