Providence woman speaks out about her frustration with UHIP system

Well over a month after the launch of the state’s new benefits system, frustration continues to mount for people still stuck in limbo.

24-year-old Nicole Ziobrowski was one of those people until this week. She says her problem began September 13th, the same day the new benefits system went live. She was at a pre-op appointment when she was told her surgery was canceled because she no longer had insurance.

"I’m just supposed to be starting my life and everything’s been on pause,” said Ziobrowski. "They just kept saying the computers are down, or we had a black out. This is happening to a bunch of people."

Somehow when the new system launched, her insurance was canceled causing the surgery she needs to replace her meniscus, which requires live donor tissue, to also be canceled.

She says she and her mom have spent the last few weeks making countless trips and calls to try to get this resolved.

"Dozens of times. We’ve gone down to the office. We’ve gone down to the healthcare provider, we reached out to Gina Raimondo’s office. We’ve gone down to anyone and everyone who will listen,” said Ziobrowski.

Since UHIP’s launch last month there have been a slew of problems. The latest report released Friday says 9,266 applications are still pending.

Ziobrowski was finally able to get her issue resolved this week after the media put her case in the spotlight.

But, her mom Michelle Ziobrowski says she’s worried about the others that don’t have people fighting for them.

"This needs to be resolved and someone should be held accountable,” said Michelle Ziobrowski.

To those people… she shares some words of wisdom.

"Fight for your rights. Know what your rights, are go down to DHS, go down to United Way, contact your Governor’s, your representatives, your council people. Whatever you need to do. Contact the news media if you need to,” said Ziobrowski.

Members of the Administration expect to see hold times and wait times increase next week because of open enrollment on November 1st.

(C) WLNE