After a long and arduous 7-month road of winding adventure of denials, appeals, and out of the box advocacy techniques … I’m proud to announce I took receipt of my new power wheelchair yesterday with the seat elevator I was denied.
I outlined several detailed articles in Push Living Magazine (article 1, article 2, article 3) on the labyrinth I had to make my way through during this process.
Amplitude Magazine featured a piece on several steps to take advocacy into your own hands.
I went to the local media and was able to land a written piece by News & Observer and a small TV segment by ABC 11’s Diane Wilson, investigative reporter, on the battle I underwent.
During this pandemic the most unlikely of things happened. I developed a laser focus and passionate advocacy mission all the topic of health insurance denials for medically necessary equipment.
Whether you have Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, there is a process, albeit tedious more often than not, where you can navigate your way through the maze of red tape to overturn an insurance denial. You have Rights!
I’m working with multiple disability advocacy organizations around the country right now to create a national campaign on “How To” steps to navigating your personal appeals process within your insurance. I want to make this my life’s work and educate those who simply don’t have the time or know how of the inner workings of the health insurance appeals system to make sure they can advocate for themselves.
Of course I’m willing to help on an individual basis as much as I can. At the very least I want people to know that the “No” is just a starting negotiation point.
In light of our present health care system that is systemically flawed, in my opinion, we have to learn how to work within the system. I’m all for taking steps to change the system, but in the meantime we need medically necessary equipment right now.
How do we best get it? Well, that’s exactly what I’m working on. I’m still trying to figure out how to make this a national campaign and reach the most amount of people, but as I navigate how to do this I will share my journey along the way to keep you involved. I’m building and advocacy brand for us all from the ground up!
I’m working with the Christopher Reeve Foundation, SPINALpedia, and the United Spinal Association along with several other local organizations to get this message out.
In my next battle, which I am right in the middle of, I’m about to submit for a specialized shower chair. So many folks need these type of specialized shower chairs that tilt back, have leg rests, foot rests, headrests, etc. in order to shower safely without risk of fractures, falling, and low blood pressure episodes. In my next article I will outline a slightly different strategic process I am taking.
In the meantime, I wanted to share some photos and videos of me taking possession of my new wheelchair at Stall’s Medical in North Carolina – my fantastic durable medical supplier. It’s so important to remember that your healthcare professionals are there to help you, but only if you organize & advocate for yourself first.
Stay Tuned!