5 More Tips for Dealing with Health Insurance - Part 2

Earlier this week I shared some tips about how to get insurance coverage for your keiki’s therapy. Today, I wanted to move onto other ideas and advice that I’ve gathered together from my own experience and also from online sources. Most of them are fairly common sense, but navigating these waters can be tricky because you are up against large insurance companies who have dealt with many, many requests before – and you’re just one parent who is overwhelmed with seemingly few resources, manpower and know-how to push past the first couple ‘no’s.’ But that’s not true. It often just takes the willingness to fight and make the effort until you are able to find the right coverage for your child.

6. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. I can’t stress how important this is. With all the paperwork going around, it’s easy to miss deadlines for each submission and appeal response. Make a calendar if you have to, and pay careful attention to when your case is due. Otherwise, you risk your case being closed.

7. Make it easier for others. Although your child’s pediatricians and therapists may support you, they own their own businesses and are working full-time. They are busy, and often do not have the time to write medical necessity letters. You can speed things along by drafting a letter for them to review and sign. Of course, make sure that they know they can edit and change anything that’s necessary.

8. Choose the right professionals. Remember that a medical consultant with either a clinical doctorate, or a PhD-level clinician with experience working in a medical facility are the best people to review your case – not a regular physician. If such a professional can’t be found, ask a developmental pediatrician to review the case, but only as a second choice.

 9. Use your public servants. This is essential! When you write to a state or federal agency for relief, send a letter and supporting documentation to your state legislator and/or US congressman and/or senators asking for their assistance with your case. The decision of whom to write depends on which level of government has jurisdiction over your case, so make sure you reach out to them for help – that’s what they’re there for.

10. Remember who it’s for! It’s easy to get discouraged during this process, but keep fighting. Remember that all of this is for your child, and you as the parent are the best person to fight for his or her right to receive intensive, frequent therapy. It’s the only treatment for many developmental disorders, so don’t give up!