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CCTV

Posted by rondidondi on 2/25/2009 11:52:34 AM.

I am current TRYING to get my son a CCTV for home use.
My private insurance company is willing to "look int it" after they receive a letter from his doctor stating why Eli could use one. I'm currently waiting for that letter.
Medicaid won't tell me if they will help until I have a provider sent the bill. I'm told to expect a denial and then to go throught the appeals process.
Has anyone been able to get their insurance(s) to assist with a CCTV purchase?
I'm so very irritated at how visual needs just are not addressed by insurances. I can't get a magnify glass for Eli, but I can get glasses for myself. SUCKS!

There are currently 19 replies.

      

  • 1 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by lizbethmary on 03/18/2009

    How old is your son? Depending on his age you might ask the school district to provide one for his use at home. If he needs it to complete homework or to access the curriculum at home, they may need to provide that for you. If he is out of school he may be able to obtain one through the state department of rehabilitaion.



  • 2 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 03/27/2009

    Have you had any luck getting the CCTV yet?
    Judith



  • 3 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 03/29/2009

    Well...16 days ago I was told my claim would take another 15 to 30 days as it goes to the review board. Yes-I am counting! :)
    A few days ago however, I got a letter from Eli's father, who has been absent in his life for over 5 years, he has been court ordered to carry insurance on him. So god news and bad news. Good being I may have another insurance company to cover the cost. Bad news, it's going to prolong the process.
    I figure if I can get one private insurance to cover I can get two! And if I can get two to cover I can get Medicaid to cover. Right? Oh I hope so!
    As far as getting one from the school. I think this will be something I'll ask at his IEP.
    Please keep your fingers crossed for us. I sure hope there's a time I repond with, "Eli's getting a CCTV!!!!!!" :)



  • 4 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 03/29/2009

    I forgot to add...I got an AWESOME letter from Eli's eye doctor. He totally supports my efforts, explained why and offered future assistance if needed.
    I really couldn't have asked for a better letter. :)



  • 5 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 04/02/2009

    Glad to hear about doctor - there are some very supportive ones out there and they are much appreciated. Am sure with your determination we will get to see the post about him getting one shortly. Please keep us posted so we can all learn from your experience.
    Judith



  • 6 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 04/13/2009

    Today marked the 30th day for my insurance claim. I planned on waiting until tomorrow, but couldn't hold off anymore.
    They denied the claim. Surprised...no, upset...you bet. Their reason as they stated, Aspirus (my workplace) as decided not to do home modifications at this time."
    Never heard of a CCTV being considered a home modification. I sent them information supporting it as a durable medical equipment and a prosthetic device so I suppose they had to find something else to put it under in order to deny the claim.
    I involved with a local organization that is going to support me in filing with Medicaid. We are already preparing for them to deny it. Funny-you beginning to prepare for the appeal hearing before you even claim.
    Actually it's sad! Sad that we can't get what our children need! I have teachers, and doctors telling me to get my son a piece of equipment that will allow him to do his homework, read a book or read instruction to make some mac and cheese and the insurance calls it a home modification.
    I'm not done though! This is just one step closer to the end! I'll keep you posted as I learn more.
    Thanks for the support!



  • 7 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 04/19/2009

    So sorry you were denied and have to go on fighting the system. Please keep us informed as to how it goes and keep on keeping on. We need more parents like you who are willing to buck the system to get what their kids need.
    Judith



  • 8 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 04/23/2009

    Well, another week in! I made lots of phone calls to different organizations. Some couldn't help, and others gave me a new place to try.
    As of today, I waiting for an Independent Living Org to call me back.
    I was told my referral is being given to a disability lawyer through a state disability rights organization.
    I am still working on the appeal letter and waiting for letters from all of my son's teachers.
    Almost everyday I receive an email with new information. This resource specialist that is helping me is AWESOME! She's never dealt with vision before either, so this is all new to her.



  • 9 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 04/27/2009

    Hi Rhonda,
    Well you are certainly working all out on getting that CCTV. Keep us posted so we can all learn from your tremendous effort. Best of luck in your attempt.
    Judith



  • 10 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 05/28/2009

    Here's another update.
    Got some GREAT news! A local Lions club is purchasing a portable CCTV for Elijah. We are super excited for this opportunity. AND VERY THANKFUL! I believe this will really be a benefit for his eye and neck strain that he gets from the use of magnify glasses.
    We are also still moving forward with the appeal towards my insurance company. The lady from the disability rights org. that I am working with is actually even looking into more of a scanning system. Where Elijah's work can be scanned, enlarged and then (like) emailed to him. She had a thought of a laptop for him. This would be awesome as he could take it anywhere and have the enlargement that he needs.
    We're trucking along....slowly and I'm learning to keep my patience! :)



  • 11 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 05/30/2009

    Hi Rondidondi,
    Fantastic! it is so great to hear good news. Glad all your hard work is paying off. What is the name of the disability rights organization that is working with you? Please keep on keeping us posted as things develop.
    Judith



  • 12 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 06/13/2009

    The group is Disability Rights/WI. Obviously, I'm in Wisconsin and this is a Wisconsin based org. I did have a HUGE amount of help reaching them. I really didn't know all the resources out there.
    I haven't heard much recently. I was told my "case" really wouldn't get much attention until mid June. We're there now so pretty soon I should hear something. Plans are to get the appeal letter out. Getting relese papers signed. Disabily Right is also looking at getting the school to provide better more updated technology. (Don't remember if I mentioned this before. Wish I could see my past responses as I'm posting this.) They are looking at Eli having a laptop and the teachers scanning his work. Then Eli could enlarge his work as needed and email it back to his teachers. This would be very portable for him too. I don't really have my hopes up for this. As we all know the financial situation of our schools right now. But, I sure will follow their lead and try to get the best for Elijah.



  • 13 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 06/15/2009

    Hi,
    Thanks for the update and the info. Please continue to keep us posted. Think there is lots to learn from your experience.
    Judith



  • 14 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 10/04/2009

    Another update-
    Obviously things don't happen over night. Not much has happened over the summer. The "official" appeals letter got sent out in July. Haven't heard anything from the insurance company yet.
    School and insurance release of information forms were signed and sent off in Sept.
    I did give tell my story during a local VI family gathering. I was nervous as all could be, but all turned out well. I was inspired to continue to tell Eli's story and about this battle. I just really hope and pray the outcome is what we want.
    I've been at this since Feb 2009 and see no end in sight yet. It may take years I'm told. :(
    I'd really like to see a bill (or something) that will advocate for insurance companies to recognize assitive technology for the blind and visually impaired.



  • 15 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 10/08/2009

    Thanks for post. Have you considered going to the media with your story?
    Judith



  • 16 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 10/11/2009

    I've been asked and encouraged to do just that. I've have declined in the past due to some personal trauma Eli has gone through.
    But, him and I have been talking about it and I'm not fully against it anymore.
    Perhaps sometime in the future when I am comfortable with it.
    I like the idea, just worried about "someone" seeing it. But, if Eli is comfortable, he may change my mind. :)



  • 17 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 10/11/2009

    Obviously it is a decision to be carefully considered.
    Judith



  • 18 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by rondidondi on 10/31/2009

    ELI HAS A CCTV AT HOME!!! YAY!!! :)
    His Vi teacher received an email asking if she knew of anyone that could use one. She said Eli could use it for as long as he needed it.
    It's amazing how much this has helped with his homework.



  • 19 . Re: CCTV
    Posted by Judith Lesner on 11/01/2009

    Fantastic news. I know how hard you have been working to make this happen. It is true that "the squeaky wheel gets the oil."
    Judith


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