Insurance Reform.

While overall, we can't complain about our insurance coverage, today I must complain. Loudly.

Bryce has been denied coverage for the drug his GI Dr. prescribed to rid him of c. diff. The drug is vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic that really isn't handed out lightly. The kicker is that we've been waiting nearly 6 days for this medicine and we'll have to wait even longer. The doctor's office has already faxed the appeal paperwork.

What really kills me is not so much that an HMO dictates my child's care. It's the reason for the denial: "no coverage for compounds". They've already covered 3 compounded medicines for Bryce in the past 2 months! Liars. Why don't they just come out and say they won't cover vanco because my child isn't worth the $1400 it would cost. They are cowards who won't say that my 19 month old should suffer with c. diff and take a drug that is CHEAPER but clearly not effective.

We are lucky that Bryce hasn't gotten sicker. From what I've learned about c. diff, Bryce could end up in the hospital with any one of several severe complications from c. diff. And guess what they'd HAVE to give him at that point? Yep. Vancomycin. But then it'd be given at the hospital, not at home, and it'll cost 'em a whole lot more money.

Sheesh. Having insurance is a good thing. Having insurance that dictates your child's course of care? Don't even get me started.