Re: brace cost

[Guest guest]

,

Devyn had three braces over one year because he grew so fast. I had to call

the insurance company and ask for a insurance advocate. They assigned a special

nurse advocate through the insurance company that called and talked with me and

learned all the things about his health issues and the care it takes. This

helped with how much they covered of certain things. Braces are considered

durable medical equipment and they stated they would only cover one every three

years according to our insurance plan. THis is where the advocate came in. I

explained the brace was neccesary to make sure our son stayed straight after

casting. I explained to her that if he didn't have brace he could start to

progress again and if it progressed to far we would have to start treatment all

over. I also expalined that this was the cheeper option since surgery is so much

more expensive. Then when they questioned that he would need more than one brace

I explained he was only 2yrs old and is constantly growing and when the brace

becomes to small he would need another to continue to maintain his back. I

explained the process of bracing and that usually it is only for a year

following the casting to make sure the spine continues to grow straight. I would

suggest calling and asking for them to assign you this type of specialist and if

they say it cannot be done ask for a supervisor. I had the help from our county

workers and they are the ones that sugested we do this. It worked and we only

paid a total of 100.00 for all three of his braces. Hope this will help you and

many others on this journy.

Rochelle mom to Devyn 4yrs old Infantile Scoliosis (currently 0 degrees) Chiari

1

>

> I am just wondering, for those of you with your children in braces, did you

insurance cover the brace? Our HMO will only pay half of the $2500 dollars for

the brace. Just trying to get an idea.

>

>