Thursday, September 29, 2011

Not Always Sunshine and Roses

I feel sometimes as though life can be all consuming - and not in a good way...

At the beginning of September, my family lost its health insurance. Having become re-employed in April, I surpassed the income threshold to be eligible for state health care. My employer does not have a group plan.

This loss has has been devastating to my family.

Yeah, it sucks to not be able to run to the doctor for check-ups, and I'm not entirely thrilled to have to fill out an informed consent to have my son's vaccinations for 7th grade waived. But these are all merely inconveniences.

I have written many times in the past about my daughter's special needs and the stress they cause on our small family. These issues have all been occuring while she has been medicated and receiving treatment.

As a matter of fact, when I received notice my insurance was being cancelled (THREE days before it was actually cancelled), she was in the hospital. I had to have her discharged against doctor recommendations.

She had also reached the top of the waiting list for the residential care facility we had been waiting 6 months to get her into. She was not able to go.

In addition to her twice-weekly therapy being stopped, because I cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for it, she is not able to visit her psychiatrist for med-checks. Heck, she currently isn't even on any meds, as I cannot afford the $1200 per month prescription bill.

After three weeks of school, she is on the fast track to failing the 6th grade. The police have been called to the home to intervene during a violent outburst. She is only 11, so all they can do is ask her to stop.

I pray daily that the Holy Spirit fill her with the spirit of obedience, and that the Lord compels her to make choices that glorify Him.

I try to keep this space as secular as possible, but my faith is a huge part of who I am. I know I have to have faith that the Lord will meet her needs. Through Him all things are possible, right?

14 comments:

Rachel said...

Have you tried contacting the drug companies? When i had to go off my meds due to not having insurance, I was able to get some for free or on a sliding scale according to my income. Also, check if any of the companies are running clinical trials in your area, that can be another way to get meds. Just suggestions, I know how crappy life without medical insurance can be. I hope everything works out.

Kim Lehnhoff said...

Most drug companies have a compassionate care program, where they give meds to the uninsured. The paperwork can be a chore, but if it helps your daughter, it's worth it.

We were in a similar situation when I was receiving unemployment compensation - my income was too high for Medicaid. I paid $600+ each month for my son's meds - there's no way I couldn't. Other bills waited. We eked out an existence.

Do your kids get Social Security survivor benefits from their dad? They're entitled to those, too.

Kim Lehnhoff said...

There are some parents who relinquish custody to the state so that their child can get medical coverage. If the residential facility would be assuming custody, that may be a way to help her stay out of juvenile detention (you sure don't want her to go there - trust me).

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am so sorry. Praying that there will be a quick solution. I would die without my medications. My daughter who is 30 has medical issues and no insurance. We help her to pay for medications and appointments. They live with us now because they can't make it on their own yet they still make too much money to get government help. The system sucks! All you have to do come here and be an illegal citizen, then you can get everything you need for free!!!

Cari said...

Kristin,

I love that you shared that, and that you shared about your faith. I think more people need to. Just goes to show it is one of the things that makes you so amazing.

Having a child with Special Needs, and being a single mom, I get it. And so sad to say, that I'm often playing the how to keep insurance going game for now. I could totally get a better job, but then I would lose the insurance that pays for 100% of my son's therapy and special school. It's a give and take, and I hate it, and it doesn't seem ethical, but I'll do it for him.

I don't want to pry, but is she eligable for MA? Which stinks, but might be better than nothing.

You're in my prayers as is your daughter. Stay strong Mama, your faith will see you through.

Anti-Supermom said...

I'm glad that people are on hear with suggestions, because I don't have any... just support.

I'm here if there is anything I can physically do to help you out!

Anti-Supermom said...

I mean 'here' not 'hear'... of course ;)

tara said...

can yall get samples for the meds? i work in mental health and her doc should have lots of samples available! just a thought. hope yall can figure something out so she can get the help she needs without breaking the bank.

Kir said...

I think you got some excellent advice about the meds, about the the facility and state intervention...

but I want to know if I can do anything for you? Besides PRAY and ask that God hold you, your daugther and your family in the palm of his hand, is there anything that I can for you?

I can't imagine how hard this is right now. My heart is breaking with the unfairness of it my friend. xoxo

Andrea said...

I love you and am praying for you and your family, K.

Thinking of you all, and most especially A. Huge hugs.

Unknown said...

Oh this is so hard. I know it doesn't help, but I work with kids all day whose parents just don't give a shit, it makes me feel better about my job that there are parents who have kids who are almost impossible to raise, but are still there fighting along side them. I hope things get better and one day she will know the extent of your love for her.

Rebecca said...

hugs not sure what else i can do or say

Raine said...

That must be really really difficult. I hope something comes along soon for you *HUGS*

Mimi N said...

Sorry I haven't commented sooner. I know this isn't easy for you and I wish I could do more than pray, but God hears the cry of a mother's heart. He hears you. Praying that the Spirit will move in your daughter's life and that change will come. God's will be done.

Love you,
Meems

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