By: Emily Thompson
Updated: Aug. 31, 2018
Originally Published: Aug. 31, 2018
In my professional capacity as a nurse within a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), I have witnessed the challenges that families face in securing necessary medical care for their children. As a new mother, I find it disheartening that I might face bankruptcy just to provide my son with the essential care he requires.
After facing infertility, I chose to adopt, feeling an immediate connection to my son, Liam, the moment I reviewed his profile. His vibrant smile shone through despite the challenges he faced due to a cleft lip and palate. I first met Liam when he was two years old in October 2017, and his joyful spirit was evident from the start. He is inquisitive and loves playing with his toys, even while navigating a series of medical obstacles that no child should have to endure.
Shortly after he became part of my family, Liam underwent surgery to correct his cleft palate. Without this intervention, he risked severe complications affecting his ability to swallow, chew, and breathe, alongside potential hearing loss and speech difficulties. This surgery was not just beneficial; it was critical for his survival and quality of life.
Our family assumed that the necessity of this surgery would be evident to any insurance provider. However, upon submitting his hospital bills, we were shocked to find that our claim was denied. The insurance company seemed blind to Liam’s humanity, leaving us with a staggering $23,000 bill—an amount that few families can manage, especially in emergencies when most Americans struggle to find even $500.
I have reached out to the insurance provider multiple times, only to receive vague assurances that the situation is under review, but no clear resolution has been offered. Furthermore, as part of his initial medical evaluations, Liam needed to see a dentist. After spending two years in an orphanage without proper dental care, he had significant cavities and decay.
During his dental visit, despite receiving a sedative, Liam was unable to calm down enough for treatment. After several unsuccessful attempts, the dentist recommended we seek a doctor who could safely sedate him for the procedure. Returning to the insurance company to explain this situation yielded yet another denial.
I found myself questioning why providing care for my son was such a struggle. Why wasn’t my insurance covering these essential services for which I had been paying for years? After extensive efforts, the insurance finally approved the dental procedure, but it shouldn’t have taken such an uphill battle to secure necessary health care for my child. I shouldn’t have to act as an intermediary between the insurance company and medical professionals, nor should it be this difficult to obtain a procedure deemed crucial for a child’s well-being.
As an NICU nurse, I understand the emotional and financial toll that medical challenges can impose on families. Parents of premature infants should be focusing on their children rather than on insurance coverage issues. Unfortunately, this struggle extends beyond insurance companies; our political leaders have failed to create a healthcare system that adequately protects all citizens.
Recently, there have been alarming developments threatening access to quality, affordable health care. The Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act (ACA), jeopardizing coverage for 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, the administration has implemented regulations that allow for “junk insurance,” which fails to provide the necessary protections that the ACA established.
Political factions are also attempting to fill judicial vacancies with individuals who may undermine the health care rights of millions of working families like mine. In Florida, for instance, over 2.3 million children rely on Medicaid for their health needs.
Ultimately, this issue revolves around the fundamental right of children to access health care. I earnestly hope that lawmakers will choose to support families like mine in this critical fight.
For further insights on navigating health care challenges, you can explore resources on female infertility and the importance of advocacy in securing necessary care. Also, check out this comprehensive guide on at-home insemination kits for additional support on your parenting journey. For more details on our policies, please visit our terms and conditions.
Summary:
The author shares her personal journey as a NICU nurse and mother advocating for her son’s essential medical care, following challenges with insurance coverage. Through her experiences, she highlights the systemic issues within the healthcare system that families face when seeking necessary treatments for their children. The article calls for greater political accountability and support for accessible healthcare for all families.