I was already in a foul mood. My debit card transaction had just been declined.
Note to self: when using your debit card it is always wise to make sure there are, you know, FUNDS in your checking account
So I’m standing there feeling like an idiot.
And then my phone rang.
It was a representative from the company that supplies Parker’s Neocate One Plus. At the value price of way over ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS A BOX , thankyouverymuch. And that box? It lasts less than three days.
We’ll call her Julie.
Which, btw, is so her REAL name.
Julie proceeds to beat me over the head
share with me the information that we owe her company over $17,000 dollars for Parker’s previous formula deliveries.
While trying to explain to her that the issue of Parker’s formula bill is indeed being addressed, which is code for ‘we’re doing the best we can’, Julie cuts me off in mid sentence with the threat of canceling Parker’s next scheduled delivery unless I provide proof of resolution by closing time that day.
“Julie, I replied, if that happens you can rest assured that I will show up on your doorstep and ring every last ounce of condescending snottiness from your scrawny little neck. ”
Actually, I have absolutely no idea what the size of Julie’s neck truly is.
But she must have gotten my drift. Cause look what showed up on our doorstep today.
Looks like I won this round.
And, boy, do I ever really hate my insurance company. I’ve never heard of any other company that simply refuses to pay for formula or feeding pumps, etc., even if they are doctor prescribed.
We should have a contest = who hates their insurance company the mostest! [not that I'm into one upmanship or anything - perish the thought!]
Glad it came through for you this month. [fingers crossed for next month]
Cheers
I am MamaBear, hear me ROAR!
Sometimes you just have to let them know what the bottom line is… congratulations on winning this round!
Ouch – what a rotten conversation. So often we (me definitely included) forget that we are dealing with real people and real lives when we’re “just doing our jobs” – like letting employees go which I’ve had to do a couple of times. Maybe you woke her up a little . . .
MY GOSH!! Can I come with your to her house? I want a crack at her too! I cannot believe that company either, that is just awful. I am so sorry Tammy
I am still praying!!
Love you all,
Amy
(((HUGS)))
We’re still fighting a collections company over insurance not paying for formula, and my daughter was only on enteral feeds for 3 months. (Insurance claimed, even after appeal, that we had to feed her anyway, so they weren’t going to pay for the formula, since it was food. And the enteral supply company charged us the insurance rate for the formula instead of the private pay rate — which are very different!) But I digress!
I hope that Julie got the message, and that things level off for you!
Hi Tammy . . . I was wondering if I could send some money to you for Parker’s Formula bill. I don’t want to send it just to the fund – I want to make sure you get it for the formula. Could you email me?
We fought tooth and nail for Pregestimil formula when Nathan was tube fed … our local HMO management office said no way … “we don’t pay for any type of formula PERIOD” … but our insurance office that oversaw the local office said as long as Nathan was solely tube fed they’d pay … and we WON … keep fighting for your baby.
Dear Parkie,
Sometimes people are stupid and do not want to give you the formula that the doctors say will help you grow big and strong. So, your job is to drink up the formula and keeping chewing your tube and get big and strong so you can kick their butts. And keep on being a little cutie-patootie. Okay? It is a tough job, but we know you’re up for it. We are all rooting for you!
Katie
Man, I should talk to insurance people that way and maybe they wouldn’t be after me for overpayment of 27,000..Oh yeah…we got a 27,000 bill in the mail Wednesday because “there was an error in reporting” and Kallie wasn’t eligible for the program she was on and thus we owe them everything back. I am beginning to understand more and more how you feel. Today sucks.
You shouldn’t even have to be dealing with this at all…why oh why is health care – to keep someone alive – our cost, our burden? I just don’t get why more can’t be done for families like yours. I’m sorry hun.
Oh Tammy – I would be so mad
I’m so sorry that your insurance company is being so stupid about paying for Parker’s formula. You’d think they’d understand he needs it to survive and ummm it is prescribed – hello! Sending lots of hugs and prayers that they can get it resolved, and WTG on telling Julie to get a clue!
HI – Julie again – NOT JULIE FROM THE INSURANCE!!!!
I am Julie from Blessedwith5 or Welcome2jujusworld.blogspot.com. I have been reading about Parker for a few weeks now. Yesterday your post was so disheartening! I have posted Parker’s link onto my blog – maybe more people will see it.
My daughter was born premature – only by six weeks, but still the bills mounted. We didn’t have insurance at the time. We were blessed with a grant from the hospital to take care of preemie’s medical bills. It was such a blessing.
We would like to send you some money to help with Parker’s formula – would you please email me directly?
We prefer you get the money directly so You can send it to the formula people.
Awaiting your email –
Julie Price
welcome2jujusworld.blogspot.com
I’m sorry. I truly wish I had the money to pay for the formula to lift some bit of worry from y’all.
((HUGS))
Kay
Did you really say that? Did you? You ROCK, woman! Way to go!
Ugh, that is awful. Glad you set her straight. Don’t mess with a mama
They always seem to call at the worst possible minute. You have to get nasty with them sometimes to make them understand.
I so love what you told her. HIGH FIVE!
Lots of insurance companies will not pay for formula, even when they are tube feed. esp that formula. It should be illegal. period, cause who in the heck can afford it.
Hey Tammy,
So sorry you have to fight for EVERYTHING – I totally understand. My daughter also has a trach and is tube fed. My daughter is on a medicaid waiver that covers nursing costs (so I can go to work and she can go to school – critical for a single mom). Medicaid picks up formula and other supplies that my insurance denies because we exceed our limits daily! The medicaid waiver has nothing to do with income and is based solely on your child’s needs. We are in Virginia but I think every state does this. Hang in there . . .
It is so tough. I just don’t understand why they have to make thing harder. BTW, we usually have at least a box of Neocate 1+ around if you ever get stuck, just email me.