Medical Insurance
You may find that having a child with a genetic condition will suddenly require you to become an “insurance expert.” This can be difficult. Insurance coverage is complex. Navigating insurance is one of the main challenges parents face.
To avoid problems, it is helpful to understand how your coverage works. Get a copy of your benefit plan’s certificate and riders and read them. Whenever you get a bill, compare it with records from your insurance. If it doesn’t add up, ask questions. Understand your rights and how to appeal when you don’t agree with a decision.
Find people who can help you. Ask what new terms mean when you hear them. It is like learning a new language. With practice, you will learn how to navigate through insurance issues.
Getting Help with Insurance
You may find that you need help with insurance issues. There are several places you can go to for help. It may vary depending on what type of insurance your child has. Here are a few of the people you may ask for assistance with insurance issues:
- Customer Service Representative
- Case Manager
- Medical Provider’s office staff
- Insurance Advocate
- Human Resources Representative
- Pediatric Social Workers
- Insurance Navigators
- State Commission on Insurance
Parent Tip!
Keep a record of anyone you speak with about your insurance benefits or claims. Record the name of the person you talked to, the date, time, and number you called in a notebook. This can be very helpful if there is a problem later. Sometimes you must go up the chain of command by speaking with a supervisor. Knowing who told you what is very effective as you advocate for your child.