Illinois

I really don't care for a select few of the State of Illinois workers. If you remember this post, you'll have some of the background to it. I had called and gotten everything taken care of. Or so I thought. The All Kids program (which I feel very fortunate to have had for Olivia) has continued to send a overdue statement for $80. I realize that's not a huge amount, but it's for the June and July premiums. Olivia was not here, so I don't feel as if we should have to pay that. Anyway, I tried to call on Thursday and after about 10 minutes of automated operators, I was connected to a real, honest to goodness person. However, no case workers were available to take my call. Someone would have to call me back.

I didn't hear from anyone, so Friday afternoon, I called again. Same stuff, only this time, the operator wasn't so nice. She said no one was available. Someone would return my call. The rest of the conversation went something like this:

Me: Ma'am, someone was supposed to call me back yesterday and I haven't heard from anyone.

Not so nice lady: Our case workers have 48 hours to return phone calls. Besides it would show up as a private caller, blocked call, or unknown caller.

Me: Okay. Well I did happen to check my caller ID and there were only numbers I recognized, so still, no one called me back. I wasn't aware of the 48 hour time frame, but could I please hold.

Not so nice lady (in a very snooty voice): What about the other 30 people waiting to have their calls returned? Can I have your number and have someone call you back.

Me: Um. Okay.

I proceeded to give her my info, completely in shock that she spoke to me that way. I actually started crying, however there's no way I gave her the satisfaction of knowing that.

Me: I'd really like to get this matter taken care of. Are you sure there is no way I can hold?

Her: This is a switchboard. It's not possible. Thank you.

Click.

So, I still haven't talked to anyone, which is fine. I'm sure they'll call tomorrow. It just gripes me to no end that I was treated this way. This woman had no idea of our circumstances, and even so, I had no expectation to be treated any differently than any other person that called in to their office. I really would like to think that this lady was just having a bad day and I caught her at a bad moment, but I can't help but think that I was treated this way because of the stigma of those using the All Kids program. Most are probably lower income families, but regardless of any of the circumstances, there is no reason someone should talk to another person that way.

So, upon the suggestion of others, I am hoping to get up the nerve to call our state rep tomorrow and file a complaint against operator Veronica.

Oh, and we're also getting bills that All Kids denied from last year saying Olivia wasn't eligible...so it sounds like my battle is just beginning. Ugh.