Life can sometimes be a source of never ending thrills.
Like trying to get synergis shots approved during a season of RSV that has Primary’s Children’s bunked three deep with kids struggling with this virus.
We have been told countless times that with Parker’s heart and lung issues RSV would, without a doubt, kill him. As in take his life. No more tomorrows.
No more Parker.
But tell THAT to my insurance company. And after several months of fighting they will finally respond with:
“Okay. You can have your shots. For a small co-pay of SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS…….EACH.”
Yeah. Like that is even remotely possible.
Nothing like the feeling of not being able to take care of your child.
We have several school aged kids who are at high risk of bringing this virus home with them from school. On their clothing. On their skin. In their lungs. And a Dad who is a Principal at an Elementary School where, he too, can bring home all kinds of fun stuff.
To my insurance company Parker’s life isn’t even worth $700.00 for the next few months.
And people wonder why I gag when I hear commercials for IHC and how they spout wonderful lies of how they provide all things lifesaving…..regardless of one’s ability to pay.
Talk about a lack of truth in advertising.
Yesterday Reed and I sat down to order a bike for our son, Brant, who is in the Missionary Training Center and will soon be heading to the Long Beach/Spanish Speaking Mission to serve for two years.
Brant’s mode of transportation will be via a bike. He will put a bazillion miles a month on that bike. It’s a missionary thing.
Unfortunately, in the world of bicycles, Brant’s 6’3″ 215 pound frame is freakishly huge. This means that the $200-300 dollars we had scrimped to purchase a bike for him made every owner of every bike shop laugh hysterically. Finally when each owner was able to catch their breath again they explained that a bike in that price range wouldn’t last two weeks with the kind of wear and tear Brant will be putting on it.
The lowest price tag on a bike that would fit his height and weight and take the kind of beating he’ll be putting on it?
Why, a mere SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS, thankyouverymuch.
And, yes. I have called many bike shops in California today. This is the standard price range.
We also discovered that Southern California is one of the top three spots in the country where you can count on the fact that a Missionary’s bike will be stolen. Even with the steel bar lock that we have to purchase. Yippee.
So we also will need to add on insurance to provide for a new bike in case…..or when….this one gets stolen. Except this insurance will only cover less than half of what Brant’s bike would cost to replace.
Yup. A thrill a minute. That’s life at our house these days.
That is just not right
I wish that I could change things for you and make things easier.
That’s so crappy. Sigh… Is there a missionary that will be leaving the mission that might be willing to sell his bike? My brother needed a fancy-pants bike because he’s 6’2″… he left it at the mission home for any missionary that might come in and need it… just a thought :S
Oh Tammy, I wish I could do something to help. I feel so bad. Are their any used bikes in the papers or anything? I cannot believe the insurance wont cover those shots!!!! That is HORRIBLE. I am so tired of this sick season!! I hope SOMETHING can be worked out or happen to help take some of this load off for you.
Much love and hugs to all,
Amy
How ridiculous!!! Try this site for good used bikes:
http://classifieds.mtbr.com/index.php
There are several bikes that would be JUST FINE for him in his size, and last a while. I would suggest he look at mountain, urban or comfort bikes, and just change over the tires to hybrids, as that will be a little cheaper than a road bike, and DEFINITELY sturdier for his size. He’ll be a smidge slower than his road bike riding buddies, but more comfortable.
Treks and Giants are the best in both categories for the money, and even NEW you can find something in that $200-$300 range.
You may also want to check out the craigslists near you and him….there’s always people who purchased a new bike not knowing what they needed, or who end up not using them.
Good luck!
Twitter: livingingrace
says:
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Tammy- email me with your phone number. I can’t find your email address. There may be something I can do about that bike situation. But, I need some more info.
Well, then. Clearly you need to move here. The RSV situation is much much better. All my windows are open and it’s in the 70s. We have TONS of elementary schools, and they’re always building more, so I’m sure Reed could get a job. You know you want to.
I’m sure I left an extra $700 lying around here someplace…..
That’s our healthcare system for you, sorry to say.
((Hugs))
Kay
Macy was denied Synagis at first to. Two of the reasons being that she doesn’t go to day care and her parents don’t smoke. Never mind the fact that she was having open heart surgery during RSV season! A mean letter from her cardiologist changed their mind and she was eventually approved. I hope that Parker is able to avoid RSV this year! Medical costs make me absolutely sick.
And those lovely IHC commercials. My favorite was the spot they’ve had on recently where they brag about the new technology they have to pre-natally detect Down syndrome earlier. Woopee. Good for them.
Hope you can find a good bike!
I can’t believe $700 per shot!! My jaw is on the floor! I am so sorry that your insurance is being absolutely unreasonable!
We moved from San Pedro (just north of Long Beach) a year ago. And I’m so sorry to say that I can attest to the stolen bikes thing. We’ll be praying for miracles to come your way…
Tammy, insurance companies…I have things to say, but won’t. Prayers that a way for those shots to be provided for Parker will come. Prayers always for Parker’s health to improve and stabilize, and hugs.
The bike, gee, I don’t know what to say. I certainly feel your frustration. How about more prayers and hugs? Sorry it isn’t a bike.
I was trying to explain that insurance thing to our Relief Society President. She was saying the same thing as IHC oh they’ll work with you, help you out if you can’t afford it. I was very, very sharp with her and said NO THEY DON’T. If you have insurance they expect you to pay for all of it. Period.
This was because we have been adding all our son’s medical bills to our Credit card, filling it up to the brim. She then said Oh they’ll do payment plans with you. I was like, exactly how many payment plans should I have, 20? 30? Nice for one time events, but doesn’t work well went your constantly racking up bills.
I’m so sorry about the synagsis shots. Praying the season ends quick in Utah and he escapes it.
I remember that bill last year too, $419.00 for the shot, for one month. uggggg!!!!
I sent a little money through Paypal. Hope it helps.
I’m completely confounded by the system you have in the US. It doesn’t seem to work for anyone except the health care execs who rake in all the money.
UGH!
I just went through your blog. Wow! What an amazing mom you are. And Parker is stinkin cute! He has been through sooo much, My heart goes out to your family.
Sorry you have to go through crud like that with insurance…it’s just not right. I think you guys have had to go through enough…
Thanks for the advice on C-Diff, Livie has been on Vanco and something else (can’t remember the name) and it just didn’t help her…thank goodness she is on a really great pro-bacteria. And I feed her yougurt a lot!! (:
It was nice meeting you too. We will definitely be following your website now, and you guys will be in our prayers as well!
Megan (Alyvia’s Mommy)
ARRGGG! I feel your frustration. And I’ll stop complaining about my daughter’s last round of shots (to go into Jr High) that cost me $400 (after insurance). I’ll try to remember that there are $700 shots out there and be grateful for my blessings.
Hang in there, baby. What is it that President Hinckley would say? “Things will work out.” Heavenly Father knows your needs, and he knows your frustrations. And he will provide a way for your son to serve and have a bike.
That just reminds me of the oh-so-crappy bike I had in one area of Germany. It was a foldable bike, called a Klaprad. It was so tiny, it was like a little circus bike. I was so happy when it was stolen. Then we just rode the bus, instead of using those ancient bikes.
And, yes, I do live close to you, and I would LOVE to come by and meet you and Parker.
Wow. Your lovely ins strikes again.
Forgive my ignorance, but won’t the church help with the bike?
I like the suggestion of The Wiz above! Go for it!!
I cannot believe 700.00 per shot. Maybe you can get some relief through:
Patient Access Network Foundation (1-866-316-7263)
For patients with high co-pays and deductibles, this nonprofit organization may be able to provide support
I got this directly from the Synagis website
Hugs to you and Parker
Maybe can you look on Craigslist or something to find a second hand bike in Cali?? That is so much money for a bike!!
And I am so sorry to hear how much the shots are, it just doesn’t seem right.
oh Tammy I’m so frustrated for you! I don’t even know what to say! Praying it all works out though!
Hi Tammy … I’m originally from Long Beach … Let me know if you want the scoop on the different areas
Sorry to read how expensive things are for your family