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Posts on this blog, are written from my experiences as a parent of a child with food allergies. I am not a medical expert. Please always consult your physician for medical advice. This blog is not a substitute for professional advice. Due to the ever changing manufacturing process and/or ingredients, please check food labels each and every time to make sure they comply with your food allergies. The Alherrgy Mom Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn very small advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But NO, we won't let that sway our opinions, all products listed, are found in our home and are regularly used by us.

Food Allergies, the "D" Word and what your state can do for you!

March 19, 2019

Food Allergies, the "D" Word and what your state can do for you!



If your child has anaphylaxis food allergies and carries Epinephrine, they may qualify for state funded medical supplemental insurance. Regardless of income! Anaphylaxis Food Allergies fall under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Coverage can vary from State to State, however.

We spent so much money within the last 2 years with 2 Emergency room visits, countless allergy specialist appointments and a trip in an ambulance for our son. My husband is a Partner in a small to mid size Accounting firm and so, we have a high deductible family insurance plan. Before we switched over to Auvi-Q auto-injectors, we were shelling out $800 for 2 packs of generic EpiPens (one for daycare and one for us). Auvi-Q has a copay assistance program for those who just have commercial insurance. You'll receive free Auvi-Q's. Yes, Free, through their pharmacy. They ship them to you overnight. However, children that have medical assistance or other state funded programs will not qualify.

Until last month, I had no idea that my son would be eligible for Medicaid, a State funded, medical insurance plan. Regardless, of our income! As much I hate to view my son as "disabled" he technically is. So we might as well, get some state assistance to help with the thousands of dollars in medical bills we could potentially see each year.

We applied for medicaid through the https://www.compass.state.pa.us/COMPASS.Web/Public/CMPHome?preference=desktop&owner=user

You'll have to check out your own states website. I'm not sure if they're all the same. I was able to find the application online, print out the gazillion pages and then spent a few days filling it out. It's not easy but it's well worth it! You have to show proof of income, even though it's regardless of income. Then it takes a few weeks to get approval but they may be able to back date the start date of the insurance by 2-3 months.

So, once you get approved for Medicaid. You'll receive a Medicaid card in the mail. You'll have to pick your Insurance provider for the program as well, there are a few different providers. You'll want to choose the provider who covers your child's Primary Care Physician or Pediatrician, Any specialists they may see, Urgent Cares and hospitals. We had 5 providers to choose from but by the time you factor in all the medical providers, only 1, passed the test.

Pennsylvania will APPROVE everyone right from the start and you'll have to pick your plans and medical cards will be sent out! HOWEVER a few months later, we received a letter saying our coverage was denied. It will be a letter from a medical review team. You'll have to submit letters and proof from your allergist of diagnosis, ER visits, Allergist visits etc. I didn't have many problems getting approved but I know a few people who have to really fight with the review team. Under the ADA, Americans who have life altering conditions are considered disabled. Food allergies are life altering, thus considered a disability. I noted that in my email to the review team. 

Normally, how Medicaid plans work in Pennsylvania are, they will pick up whatever your Primary insurance doesn't cover. Hospital visits, Ambulances, etc. Prescriptions will have low copay of a few dollars. As long as you stay with the in-network providers for your insurance policy.

I hope this helps you, as much as it helped us! If you have any questions, concerns or problems. Please reach out to me!!!! 






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