Today I sat today like any other day: at my kitchen counter, fielding calls from families looking for ABA services for their kids, having to tell some that they have no ABA coverage on the insurance they pay a ridiculous amount a month for. Telling others that we don’t have staff for them and they need to wait months for services to begin because we are drowning in cases and the supply of analysts doesn’t meet the demand. Waiting on hold for hours to speak to a human at the insurance companies that can tell me why authorized claims are being denied to these families. Dealing with “doctors”that are telling families that can’t get a diagnosis until age six or are writing referrals with a diagnosis of “Behavior Problem” (Really? Can I get an ICD code on that, Dr. Mensa?). Advising parents to get on the medwaiver wait list immediately as it is at about 22,000 and counting here in the Sunshine State. MAYBE in 12 or 15 years, you will get approved. Suggesting they see if they qualify for social security so they can get Medicaid coverage to pay for the ABA. Most have no idea what I’m talking about. I’ve had moms tell me they got more information from me in 10 minutes on the phone than they have in the past few months since diagnosis.
Some days, I log off and cry at the enormity and injustice of it all.
Just another day at the office.
Except today was different. Typically, I have Pandora on in the background . . . but not today.
Today I listened to Californians who made the trip to Sacramento from all over the state wait their turn to stand in front of California state Senators and express their objection to SB277.
If you are having trouble viewing this video click here, or copy and paste this url into your browser:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S5–UNE1sA&feature=youtu.be
Sylvia Pimentel
Jude Tovatt
Shannon Primer
Kent Heckenlively
Doctors. Educators. Researchers. Lawyers. Small business owners. Advocates. Children. Public Servants. Military wives. Veterans. Moms. Dads. Citizens.
All opposing this disgusting bill.
And as I listened while on hold with Aetna
(after being transferred to another department . . . AGAIN) I found myself crying combo tears. Sad that it’s come to this. Sad for the families that testified to experiencing vaccine injury firsthand . . . but I also felt proud. So proud. Proud of these people that are taking a stand. Proud of the people that couldn’t come because they are home taking care of sick children, but sent testimony, calls and emails. Proud of the people that think for themselves. Proud that people are waking up. Proud to see a glimmer of what America means to me.
There ultimately was no vote today. So many senators had issues with the language and questions about the bill, Pan was given a free life. If they voted today, this bill would be dead — as it should be.
The lines of people that showed up today deserved a vote. I hope they do the right thing next Wednesday.
For now, I’m going to revel in the pride buzz.
Thank you, Thinking Californians.
~Poppy 
For more by Poppy, click here.
Sadly, vaccine makers have no incentive to change their ways. They make huge profits but are totally protected from lawsuits because Congress granted
them immunity in 1986. We the taxpayers are paying for the damages they are causing. Sound familiar? Privatizing profits while socializing risk!!
If you want to change this, please sign this petition on Moveon.org.
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/repeal-immunity-for-drug
Kindly pass this on to everyone you know. Together, hopefully, we can make a difference!
As someone else mentioned, the people in that incredibly long line looked very healthy so they sure are doing something right!
Fighting our insurance company is one of the most frustrating parts of this whole thing. Wrong codes, delays in processing and payment, not knowing what’s covered, and endless hours on the phone with people who seem to do everything they can to prevent you from getting the help you need.
That said, you might want to suggest people waiting for ABA (or not covered) look into Floortime or Son-Rise. Parents and volunteers do the work, but you can get started very cheaply and ongoing cost is basically up to you. Son-Rise “official” training and consultations are really expensive, but you don’t HAVE to do that. Both are great programs and have done a lot for us.
Dr. Robert Rowen did an excellent write up of the event from his point of view as a participant at the hearing. Check out his FB post at https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertJRowen/posts/353416518189689
“A mother will fight to the death to protect her offspring.”
hi! I could not get your link to work, maybe it was changed or removed…I think I found the testimony (in 5 parts ) here, though
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0XlWWcMoGY
THX FOR ALL YOU DO
Mutual friend of Erin F. – we also are in Beijing, China