pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843 
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Post by pridemom on Apr 15, 2016 14:38:22 GMT
I am bursting at the seams with pride. As I have shared here, my 16yo daughter has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). She was asked to share her story of how hard it is to get the medications her doctor has ordered due to insurance requirements of "Step Therapy" as well as their delays in approving the medications.
Yesterday was the hearing and we drove to our capital bright and early. She and another girl testified about their experiences. They were so effective, the insurance company representatives that were there to speak in opposition of the bill did not speak! A lobbyist who was seated in the back said my girl moved people to tears.
She has been intent on helping those with her disease that follow after her. The opportunity was simply amazing. I post by phone and don't know how to share pictures or I would. Her big sister came along for support and to have the experience of seeing the legislative process (and to be my driver).
I am paying for the trip physically, though. I had my gall bladder removed Tuesday, and insisted on going yesterday. I did more walking than I should have. Thank the Lord for modern chemistry and daughters that drive.
If you are a Missouri resident, please ask your senator to vote for HB 2029. The insurance companies are pushing back.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 15, 2016 14:39:59 GMT
What a proud moment that must have been for you! I hope your bill passes.
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,218
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Post by Peamac on Apr 15, 2016 16:10:27 GMT
How exciting! I'm so glad she was able to see that her words touched people.
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Post by mellyw on Apr 15, 2016 16:40:46 GMT
Pridemom- I can't imagine how proud you must be! I'm proud of her for being willing to speak up.
Personal story for the stupid "step up" policy with RA med's. I'm personally paying for it right now with heart problems. I have good insurance that has no problems paying for the medications, but it's so rooted in Rheumatologists to do the "step up" routine. So many studies have shown aggressive therapies from the outset stave off irreversible damage.
So it's not just insurance companies, it's getting Doctor attitudes to change.
I had wondered what happened with your gallbladder. I hope everything is healing well, & I don't blame you for pushing to go with your DD!
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
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Post by pridemom on Apr 15, 2016 17:00:39 GMT
Pridemom- I can't imagine how proud you must be! I'm proud of her for being willing to speak up. Personal story for the stupid "step up" policy with RA med's. I'm personally paying for it right now with heart problems. I have good insurance that has no problems paying for the medications, but it's so rooted in Rheumatologists to do the "step up" routine. So many studies have shown aggressive therapies from the outset stave off irreversible damage. So it's not just insurance companies, it's getting Doctor attitudes to change. I had wondered what happened with your gallbladder. I hope everything is healing well, & I don't blame you for pushing to go with your DD! What gets me is that if you're stable on a drug, the ins companies can make you go through step therapy again! It puts people at risk for permanent damage. I am so glad I went. I walked back and forth inside the capital a couple of times between the hearing and meeting our senator and a news conference. But it was worth it. |
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,775
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Apr 15, 2016 17:04:49 GMT
Awesome!
I admire her for being able to do that in front of so many people. I wild have been terrified.
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Post by jenjie on Apr 15, 2016 17:11:16 GMT
Wow that's wonderful!
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Post by bc2ca on Apr 15, 2016 17:11:34 GMT
What a proud moment - congratulations to your DD!
We have just faced our first instance of our insurance trying to force DD to a different medication after 10 years successful treatment on her current one. Her doctor was awesome, but the extra paperwork was about 25 pages and they insisted we try their preferred medication first. I have a feeling we will go through this battle every 90 days now.
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Post by mellyw on Apr 15, 2016 17:49:51 GMT
Pridemom- I can't imagine how proud you must be! I'm proud of her for being willing to speak up. Personal story for the stupid "step up" policy with RA med's. I'm personally paying for it right now with heart problems. I have good insurance that has no problems paying for the medications, but it's so rooted in Rheumatologists to do the "step up" routine. So many studies have shown aggressive therapies from the outset stave off irreversible damage. So it's not just insurance companies, it's getting Doctor attitudes to change. I had wondered what happened with your gallbladder. I hope everything is healing well, & I don't blame you for pushing to go with your DD! What gets me is that if you're stable on a drug, the ins companies can make you go through step therapy again! It puts people at risk for permanent damage. I am so glad I went. I walked back and forth inside the capital a couple of times between the hearing and meeting our senator and a news conference. But it was worth it. I had no idea that could happen. Just ridiculous. |
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
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Post by pridemom on Apr 15, 2016 17:50:12 GMT
What a proud moment - congratulations to your DD! We have just faced our first instance of our insurance trying to force DD to a different medication after 10 years successful treatment on her current one. Her doctor was awesome, but the extra paperwork was about 25 pages and they insisted we try their preferred medication first. I have a feeling we will go through this battle every 90 days now. There are other states with pending bills, so you might wish to check. Also, get involved with the group that advocates for her specific health issue. They may be working with legislators. I learned about this one by reading my state house website and lists of pending bills. |
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