Ah, Our Home Health Care Company. A place where Brilliant Minds reside.
This month they were supposed to send us two BOXES of the strip paste we use to adhere Parker’s ostomy bags to his tummy. Ostomy bags are notorious for failing, falling off, getting pulled off, and all matter of fun and exciting stuff like that.
So, in just one day active little kids can go through more than just one ostomy bag.
But the Brilliant Minds at our Home Health Care Company are totally sure that two strips of this adhesive should be enough to last us all month long. Even during the months that Parker wore TWO ostomy bags.
I’ve called and argued. I’ve had Parker’s pedi write for TWO BOXES THIS MONTH. But still the Brilliant Minds send us just two strips of the adhesive.
And to add insult to injury, guess what they charge us per stirp?
Guess.
Remember, this stuff is nothing but glorified Silly Putty. I kid you not. If I rolled both strips up into a ball it would be about the size of a marble.
Per strip the charge us SIX DOLLARS. SIX *&^$% DOLLARS.
And in case you think I’m not telling the truth here:
We are still praying that what Parker’s primary insurance refuses to pay will get run through Medicaid. The Travis C Waiver states that kids with trachs get nursing through respite and Medicaid coverage. Two totally different divisions here in Utah.
Except the powers that be are now saying that just a trach alone isn’t enough. Just because Parker could DIE without a trach isn’t enough. NOW a child has to have a certain amount of time on their vent to quailfy. Parker is on a vent at night. And now during naptime. But yet the fight continues.
This state simply sucks more often than not.
As tax paying residents we could lose our home (we’ve already paid out our savings, have credit card balances beyond belief, not to mention other eye-popping medical bills) and this state couldn’t care less.
Yet an illegal immigrant can cross over the border and receive WIC, free services from PCMC PLUS housing and food benefits without a question being asked.
Each year PCMC raises funds through the Children’s Miracle Network. We are talking BIG money here. And as part of their promo they talk about how your ability to pay makes no difference to them. Yet we get collection notices often. Really often.
Did I say notices? Allow me to rephrase that. It is more like collection threats. That is pretty much what they are. Threats if we don’t come up with all the money…..now.
When I called and asked if some of our bills could find relief using any of these funds we were told that these contributions were given to those with no insurance and those from other countries…..illegal immigrants making up a large portion to whom these funds are given .
And, yup, some days I really am bitter about this.
Today just happens to be one of those day.
I’m so sorry. So Sorry. The system is indeed broken.
Praying…
Twitter: marriedlife
Jun 2, 08
Ugh, I’m so sorry. Insurance companies are so totally a scam. Unfortunately it’s a scam we can’t live without it seems… although I’m sure you almost wish at times that you hadn’t had any insurance when this all started.
SOMEONE IN CHARGE NEEDS THEIR A** KICKED!!!! THIS MAKES ME SO MAD, I CANNIT STAND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chad and I talk about this very thing ALL of the time. It just makes me SICK!!!!
Okay, I had to vent too, sorry. I just love you guys so much and wish their was something I could do….
Sending prayers, love and hugs,
Amy
You and your family are certainly in my prayers. I really think this is not what we think will happen when we give to Children’s Miracle Network fundraisers. It isn’t fair and I wonder just how many people know about this. You only list two news stories written about Parker. I think it is time for another!
The present system is insulting to responsible people – you are not alone.
I completely understand. When my little guys was born, he had cardiac issues and required oxygen. I begged for him to come home, even if he had to have oxygen. Finally he came home and I could not get supplies to save my life. The pulse ox’s only would last maybe two days and the company would tell me it needs to last a MONTH! I had to go to the hospital at 3am to get a pulse ox. THANK GOD for the nurses that knew us. I finally got real nasty with them and had a strong “coming to Jesus talk.” They weren’t bad after that.
AMEN!! I gripe about the illegal immigrants, etc all the time. It absolutely pisses me off to no end that I have to work full time just to keep insurance. I am even more irate now that Carter is here. He was born with down syndrome, had the cardiac issues, now kidney/bladder problems and possible leukemia! I can’t stay home with him because we would be homeless. I can’t quit because we wouldn’t have insurance. So now I get to work so illegal immigrants and underage kids can keep popping out children that I am paying for. I understand the need to vent, anytime, I’m here.
Sincerely , Carly Colvin
I just wanted to let you know that I work at Sam’s club and we are asking for donations from every member for the Children’s Miracle Network. Yesterday was the first day and I alone raised $60. When someone didn’t want to write their name on the balloon, I would choose a child’s name and write it one there. Parker has a balloon in his honor here in Rochester, MN. God bless and heal this precious angel.
Illegal immigrants get free medical care? Everything?
Now… if a kid is born in the US he/she is American, right? (not the parents, though). Can you explain, please?
Nuri, Illegal Immigrants can walk into a WIC office and get help with no questions of citizenship asked…period.
You are correct that when a child is born here that child is an American Citizen. But there is a big problem with illegals crossing the border just in time to give birth so that they can receive benefits.
Each state is different. You may want to check out the details of your state.
PLEASE understand that I would never deny health care to an innocent child. What makes me so upset is that this system turns it\’s back on US citizens without a second thought, but holds a hand out to those who are here illegally.
And it just isn\’t that. There are stories of people who have worked hard all of their lives and are denied help, yet their neighbor who has learned how to work the system is living fat, dumb and happy. Just check out some of the comments left on this post.
Tammy, the system falls short…no…the system fails those who work hard and need it sometimes. Please hold fast to your faith. God has plans for Parker, for you, for your family. Please, stay strong and enjoy Parker and each of your children.
Gifts. God gives us gifts. And strength through him.
That’s all I’ve got. But I love ya. ox
I can feel your frustration, Sydney hasnt been in the hospital for over a year but three open heart surgeries plus many other minor surgeries has put us over the edge, then there is a friend who’s exhusband OD’d on meth and is now on disability and WE now pay for his child support but he can have satelite, internet, luxuries I do not have (internet I use at work) what is up???? Will keep praying for you and yours…
http://www.caringbridge.org/in/sydneylynne
I really hope things work out!
your situation certainly sux. i don’t even want to get started on “benefits” for illegals when AMERICAN CITIZENS like your family can’t get a little break. our system is so jacked up it makes one wonder if it can be repaired.
on the adhesive issue…don’t know if this is a helpful suggestion or not but i care for an elderly man with a urostomy. we use cloth or paper tape (the medical kind) on it in addition to the adhesive that is on the bag (his son-in-law’s mother works at our local children’s hospital and unused rolls of tape are thrown out because they have been charged to a particular patient or procedure and cannot be billed for again. she is permitted to take them home and gives them to willie for his urostomy). i stick the bag down using the adhesive on it then i put 4 strips of tape around the perimeter of the bag. it will hold for a week. he has had no skin breakdown with this method (bladder CA was 10+ years ago). sure, he’s not an active toddler crawling around and what have you, but it has sure solved the problem of having to replace the bag often d/t lack of adhesive.
i check your blog often and am humbled by your life. god bless all of you. more cute pix of parker, please!!
So, next time they call about the money you owe, mention the fund again. Tell them that your insurance booted you off or something, so that you are now uninsured. Tell them that you hope this new uninsured state will expedite paying for your son’s life-saving treatment because of this fantastic fund they have set up for people like yourself. See what they say.
Honestly, how can they be so mind-numbingly idiotic?
I don’t think anyone would blame you for being bitter! I know I would be too; heck I AM bitter for you!
You mean, an illegal citizen could go through Parker’s procedures or similar ones for free? Completely? Somehow, I find that hard to believe.
Anyway, I wish for the best for Parker. Hope he recovers fast!
The Goverment SUCKS and I too am so very angered by them paying for illegal immigrants and our kids have to suffer b/c of it. Hugs to you and Parker.
Hey, I’m starting to use this: http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ to stretch the food budget. Thought I’d share and see if you can’t get a bit more stretch too!