Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Money Tree Anyone?

Did I tell you we don't have insurance?

Yeah well we don't.

I was on the phone with our home health care company today getting a rundown on what we owe them, since they sent out statement to the wrong address, and it's somewhere in the being forwarded to us process. Tell me how they can get our shipment to us, but they can't get the statement and bill to us, I guess I shouldn't complain. I mean, who wants bills in the mail anyways.

But we sat and chatted and she gave me some information as to what we are in for the month of September. Now we are due to order Rhett's feeding and oxygen supplies. I about died when we got the total. It's almost more than our house payment.

Seriously.

1 case of Pedia Sure is $59.19 ~ He uses 6 1/2 of these cases a month.
1 extension set for his Mic-key Button is $77.95
1 case of his feeding bags for his feeding pump is $230.93
1 roll of Mefix tape is $17.84
1 box of the 4x4 IV drain gauze sponge is $58.62
1 bag of 5 10 ML syringes is $15.85
2 nasal cannulas for his oxygen are $42.50

~Oh, and last month we had to replace his Mic-key Button because his balloon was leaking. That cost us $212.50.

~The cost of keeping our little man going, seeing his smile every day, and him cuddling into my arms when he wants a little bit of mommy time?

PRICELESS.

One more good piece of information? We have decided that it's better for Andy to go down to a job that pays $12.00 an hour so we can get some assistance. Since we only have our house payment and utilities millions a few medical bills, and gas, we should be able to make it on $12.00 an hour and still be able to put food on the table. Just as long as we have insurance for Rhett again. This is killing us.

Even if we just get on CHIP, something.

Okay, I am done whining now.....

12 comments:

Niksmom said...

Check your email. :-)

Carla (Choosing His Joy) said...

In California, we have something called California Childrens Services, and under qualifing conditions, all his medical expenses would be paid in full. Rhett's condition would qualify. Dont they have something like that where you are? It is hard to know about as they dont advertise, but I would think that every state would have one.

I am so sorry you are going through this. We struggle to pay for our medical expenses even though we have insurance. Because both my kids have a chronic disease, and I do too--we are drowning in our medical expenses....even with medical insurance.

I think it is so horrible when hardworking families have a child with a chronic disease (or more than one!) and basically collapse in our economic society in order to provide their children with what they need to live. I dont get why no one addresses this.

Anyway, off my soapbox now-I bet you can tell it is an issue for us as well.

I am praying that the Lord will provide what you need.

Take Care,
Carla http://mastomama.blogspot.com/

Tina:0) said...

I was thinking the same thing about a state program that could help with his medical expenses. Here in Ohio we have BCMH (bureau for children with medical handicaps). I know Rhett's heart condition alone would qualify him in Ohio! Maybe you all should move to another state! (lol) Vaeh is covered by our insurance, but what they don't pick up the BCMH does!

Praying that something comes along to help... the Lord will provide!!!

datri said...

Insurance shouldn't be so much of a hassle. I'm sure you've looked into CHIP already:

http://www.utahchip.org/faq.htm

Praying things work out for you.

Anonymous said...

Pam, I'm sorry you are going through this again... But what's up with Andy's insurance through the car dillership? You said it was going to kick-in in July.. What happened?
Praying for you,
Your reader in CT

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

Wow! Good luck and I really hope something comes your way. And it's okay to whine! I would!

Shannon @ Gabi's World said...

Isn't it so sad that Andy has to do that in order for you to get insurance for Rhett? I swear the government really makes me mad sometimes!

Amie said...

Ouch! Been there done that! Having no insurance with high risk kiddos is awful, huh? Last summer, I quit my job (and consequently started us into financial hardship) in order for us to qualify for CHIP. We missed the cut-off by less than 100 dollars one of the qualifying months. So, we were now minus one source of income and had no insurance and then Brody soon ended up in the PICU for 6 weeks. Over 300K! That really sucked. And I love that Social Security can't seem to find any reason to allow these kids to be claiming disability benefits. :( Its so frustrating! I'm really sorry! The system is flawed! Thats for dang sure! But I'll quit griping. Although, with this subject, I could go on for days....

Anonymous said...

utah sucks, sorry ladies theres reg your poor medicaid and chip. the waiver waiting list is about 7 years long. That's it for Utah.

We have been choosing the same thing as you. My DH lost his good job and we choose the pay is crap job, because we could keep the medicaid. We need $20,000 more than we make now, to survive without the medicaid.

Now whatever you do DO NOT buy those oxygen supplies. I will send you whatever you need for free. I've got cannula's, lots of tubing, swivel connectors and tendergrips. Please email me what you need and I will mail it to you.

coriannes.mom@gmail.com

Sarah

MammaMayMiller said...

I don't understand...

I really don't understand!

Your US health system SUCKS, and reading your regular posts on how much you are struggling financially makes me SO SO SO angry on your behalf!!!!!!
It's just not fair!!!

Why can't you get health insurance?
I thought that's how it worked over there... sorry - I feel so ignorant and so frustrated, I wish I could do something to help, and alleviate this burden for you :c(

But I also want to say this: PAM YOU ARE AMAZING!!! I know you say you are 'whining'... but man, come on! Who can blame you?? I love your strength of character; be strong my friend, God has a habit of providing for those who love and trust in Him

Love ya
Mrs Wibbs xxxx

Anonymous said...

Yes, we live in a society that rewards those who try not to sustain themselves financially or can't. But one choice is a socialized government and that is a tough one to swallow. I'm sorry, it won't go down even if I try.

Kate said...

I hear ya. We don't get a new extension tube for Joshua's mickey button each month ~ I just rinse & reuse it. Saves the $$ each month.

What size mickey button does Rhett have? I have 4 extra buttons at this point in time (each time Joshua's been in the hospital, they end up losing his attachment tube & we subsequently get a whole new g-tube kit, which includes a button) and I would happily send you 2 of them. They're 14 french, 1.2cm. If that's the size Rhett has, let me know and I'll drop them in the mail so you have a couple replacements for the next few times he needs a change.