Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Bad news... We need to fight for the Sleep Safe Bed!

So, I got the "preliminary" word yesterday that our insurance is going to "deny" the Sleep Safer bed for Jenelle. According to them, its a piece of furniture, and not a hospital bed. Now, I ask you... where else can I find a bed with 36" rails that will keep her safe while doing this... all ... the ... time.

(These videos were taken in succession in an approximate 5 minute time frame.)


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Maybe now you can see why we have to let her fall asleep on the floor before putting her to bed. No child should be put to bed like that! I dread the next time she has to be admitted to the hospital. They will have to sedate her just to keep her in the bed... or worse, restrain her.

I'm sending these videos to my insurance and am appealing the denial.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my...I held my breath each time she got near the rails. Those may hold her now but they certainly wont hold her for long.

Send the last video to your insurance with a note as to how long it goes on. It might be better to show the video where she bumps the rails rather than when she doesn't.

Also include a note as to how it financially benefits the insurance company to purchase the bed. The alternative is that might get stuck paying for her ER/hosptial care every time she falls. One ER visit and/or hospitalization alone would pay for the bed. Plus there would be xrays, head CT, lab work, etc. Not that you'd let her fall, but even if you put her to sleep on the floor, what if she wakes during the night?

Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

insurance companies kill me. i am also the parent of a little one with lennox-gastaut...i know what it's like to have to fight for every little thing. so frustrating.
good luck to you.
shannon

Penny L. Richards said...

They always always always say NO the first time--I think of it as just a formality--press on! You're doing exactly the right thing--documenting the need, and appealing their first decision. Get a few doctors or therapists to write letters in support of your request too--can't hurt, might help. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Oh my, That is so frustrating... You are doing the right thing by appealing the insurance company. You may consider contacting your local elected officials, State Senator(s) or Representative(s)to advocate on your behalf. Keep fighting the fight--your little angle deserves a safe/comfortable enviorment always! Good luck :-)