Toddler Denied Medicaid, Day Care, And Basic Services After Hospital Error Lists Her Name As 'Unakite Thirteen Hotel'

A Nebraska father is fighting to secure essential services for his 2-year-old daughter after a hospital error left her without a valid birth certificate or Social Security number. The mistake has prevented the toddler, Caroline, from accessing Medicaid, day care, and other basic services.

Jason Kilburn, who lives outside Omaha, told NBC News that he has been trying for months to correct the error, but the process has been filled with roadblocks. Without official documentation, Caroline is unable to receive health insurance, attend day care, or enroll in necessary early childhood programs.

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The Hospital Error That Created ‘Unakite Thirteen Hotel'

Caroline was born in November 2022 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to a mother who immediately placed her for adoption. When Kilburn later proved his paternity through a DNA test, he gained custody of his daughter. However, he soon discovered that her birth records were incorrect.

Instead of a proper birth certificate, the hospital issued only a certificate of live birth, which is typically used to start the process of generating official documents. The certificate listed the toddler's name as "Unakite Thirteen Hotel," a computer-generated placeholder. This error has caused a cascade of bureaucratic issues that Kilburn has been unable to resolve.

The Struggle to Obtain Official Documents

Kilburn has repeatedly contacted CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs, the hospital responsible for the error, but has received little guidance. He also learned that his daughter does not have a Social Security number, making it impossible for him to enroll her in Medicaid or other essential programs.

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Attorney Joshua Livingston, who is assisting Kilburn, described the situation as a "circuitous, bureaucratic loop," according to NBC News. Despite efforts by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to secure a birth certificate under the incorrect name, no progress has been made in obtaining a Social Security number for Caroline.

Legal Hurdles and Delays

In March 2023, NDHHS filed a motion in juvenile court to establish a legal name for Caroline using the incorrect designation; however, she never received a Social Security number. In December, Livingston filed a motion to reopen the case, but the court denied the request.

Since then, Kilburn has been told that Nebraska DHHS is working with Iowa officials to resolve the matter, but he has yet to receive any updates. Livingston plans to file another motion to amend the birth certificate to include Kilburn's name, which would allow him to apply for a Social Security number himself.

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The Real-World Consequences for Caroline and Her Father

The bureaucratic tangle has left Kilburn and Caroline in a precarious situation. Kilburn is currently unemployed due to a heart condition, so he needs other avenues to help cover healthcare for his daughter. However, he was denied Medicaid for Caroline because he cannot provide a Social Security number for her.

Without insurance, even basic medical visits have become costly. A recent pediatrician visit cost Kilburn around $700, making him hesitant to seek further care. When Caroline fell ill with a fever and vomiting, Kilburn was forced to weigh the financial impact of taking her to the doctor.

Beyond medical care, the lack of official documentation has prevented Caroline from enrolling in day care, speech therapy, and other early intervention programs.

"It's not like I'm trying to pull something here," Kilburn said. "This is stuff she's entitled to as any American is."

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Moving Forward

Despite the challenges, Kilburn remains hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon. Once he can obtain a proper birth certificate, Caroline's full legal name will be Caroline Elizabeth Kilburn.

"She's a joy to be around," Kilburn said, adding that despite the difficulties, Caroline appears to be happy and healthy. However, until the bureaucratic maze is navigated, she remains in limbo—unable to receive the essential services every child deserves.

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