As you know from the last post, Drake and Kennedy were scheduled for a pediatrician appointment today. His nurse is such a wonderful person that she was planning on coming to go with us whether she was getting paid or not. She only receives pay if she has an assignment; therefore, without notice, she will not be paid until another family chooses her; We do not want to lose her. I have made a multitude of calls and I was able to arrange "Private Pay" by the day, but as you can only imagine…the price is quite steep and we cannot keep her on full time. At least she was able to get paid for today and I have her scheduled for three days next week.
This is such a tough situation because Drake needs a skilled nurse and has been approved for MDCP (Medically Disabled Children's Program) through Austin. This will cover his home nursing, but we are waiting on the finalization of the process to take place (this could take up to 45 which ends on Feb 6th.) We were told this would be expedited and could be completed before the end of the month, but there is no guarantee.
Over the past two days many tears have been shed by Drake's nurse and by me. Her roommate just moved out; therefore, she needs full time pay in order to cover all of her bills. We know that she will get picked up by another family and be fine, but we will have to adjust to and train a new nurse in a few weeks. I have spoken to other mothers who have been through multiple nurses while searching for a good fit. We were beyond fortunate to have found a nurse who loves our son so dearly. I know we can find another skilled nurse, but I am terrified we will never find another with such a warm heart.
Through our tears, we took Drake and Kennedy for their 6 month doctor’s appointment today. This was a BIG day because their previous 2 month and 4 month shots have been spread out over several days…these 6 month shots (5 Total) were all administered in succession. Not only did they receive the immunizations, they also received their flu vaccine and their monthly Synagis shot. Their happy dispositions quickly turned into the loudest cries I have ever heard from either of them.
I am so sorry to hear this turn for you and your nurse. Are there no sources of fund raising to help cover the cost until the 45 day time frame is over? If you have such a place or fund can you post that on your facebook page? Meanwhile I shall pray that the sweet babies are recovering from all those shots!
ReplyDeleteWe are very fortunate to have fundraiser funds we are using to cover their monthly Synagis shots. After our insurance pays, our patient portion is a little over $600 per baby per shot each month during RSV season (Oct-April or May). This will be the case for two years while they qualify for the shots, and they have told me the shots will be more expensive next year because the amount is based on weight.
DeleteWe are using some funds to help cover our nurse during this limbo time. However, full time would cost $2,000 per week. That would quickly deplete our funds which we need to help with their shots.
We trust that things will all work out as they should. Thank you for your continued prayers!
Artmom: hi, just wanted to let you know that an online fundraiser was set up for the Gilstrap family on the give forward web page. If you copy the link I am pasting , you should be able to get to their page and share it via Facebook and other social media :-) thanks and God bless! http://www.giveforward.com/drakeandkennedygilstrap
DeleteNatalie Downing
Sorry to hear that. Our insurance never covered home nursing care for Cade either. With MDCP, we did get respite care hours. The pay isn't much for that so I don't know how that might work for nursing. I hope it does work for you all though. MDCP did cover Cade's Synagis shots and all therapy/specialist/doctor's appointments. That will be very helpful for you all. Do you have to stay in a nursing home?
ReplyDeleteYes, we will have to stay in a nursing home once all of the paperwork is approved. He is "medically fragile" so we will only stay one night instead of 30. We are very thankful for that! Thank you for letting me know about how MDCP worked for you and your little one.
DeletePraying for favor as you jump through all the paperwork hoops and that God will provide for your family. I can't imagine how stressful this time is.
ReplyDeleteThe babies are looking so great - just precious! Hug them tight. :-)