Actually I just read your post about the insurance, and yes this is true a pre-existing condition will not be covered. Now I have spoken to an attorney about this, and yes they do have this clause in thier policies.

Secondly we were looking around for better rates on health insurance, I pay an outrageous amount for insurance on LITTLE MAN, actually I pay more for him than the policy for the entire family. The agents actually told me the same thing, I should keep the policy I have on Little Man, and change the family coverage, any insurance company I change to (ANY) will not cover anything for him.

Unless you have an umbrella coverage with an employer, which pretty much covers any pre-existing condition, your grandfathered into your plan that way, unfortunately my husbands company, nor my own offers a health plan, so we have had an individual policy for years.

And no they did not cover his last surgery, this was why I got the media involved, because I was hit with a $71,000.00 bill from his last hospital stay, and yes I can still smile, and hold my head high. I don't care if they told me it was a million, I still wouldn't care.

Michelle- They do still have pre-existing clauses. Most of them depend on what the situation is. I know Blue Cross Blue Shield is terrible when it comes to that- I had a tumor removed in 2003 the next year when I had to go back for a follow up bcbs refused to pay saying it was a pre-existing condition and I had to pay out of pocket.
The place I was just employed with was the same way- only thing that saved me and let me pick up on insurance was getting a statement of continuation of coverage. If I hadn't gotten that they would not have covered the last 3 months of my pregnancy.

I have only just come across this thread.

There is a blogger in Brandon who's 10 year old daughter was diagnosed Autistic when she was much younger. She has had results with the gluten and casein free diet - and has been doing this for quite some time.

Here is her blog:

www.gfcfmama.blogspot.com

I have met this girl and she is wonderful, and her kids are adorable.

She has many, many recipes for gfcf foods, resources on gfcf foods and where to buy them, and she has links to other Autism sites and blogs.

Just putting this in here in case anyone could find them useful.

"yes I can still smile, and hold my head high"

Shannon ~

Never stop doing that. Doing your best for your child is all the reason in the world right there to hold your head high and smile.

I recently came across this article, and wanted to share it. Below I quote two small excerpts. And remember, the struggle for one's children's best interests is very often ours and ours alone, it's up to us to do what we can, whether that means fighting insurance companies or some other entity in the struggle. And at the same time, raising awareness, which I'm sure your media case did to some extent, is a GOOD thing.


http://www.observer.com/node/38953

quote:

First I want tell you about the film. It’s less than 15 minutes long, but it’s a killer. It will break your heart; it will make you cry—I guarantee it. It’s skillfully done, in a low-key way that recognizes there’s no need to hype the emotionalism. The matter-of-fact-ness is enough, almost too much. The dailiness is the point. (You can watch it yourself at www. autismspeaks.org/sponsoredevents/ autism_every_day.php on the autismspeaks.org Web site.)

quote:

quote:

TO MY SHAME, THINK, IN SOME WAY, I looked away from the full extent of what Lauren and Jim were going through. In my defense, I’d say it’s not uncommon. Not that they’re unequipped to fight it themselves: There’s something about this disease that brings out a fierce response, especially from the mothers involved. Like the ones in Lauren’s film who say over and over again, in one way or another: “No surrender.” But they need our help.

quote: