Paralyzed California toddler denied wheelchair by insurer
Paralyzed California toddler denied wheelchair by insure
Crue Allred's wheelchair tends to get stuck, and the plucky toddler's mom is seeking a more mobile model. (Family photo)
The mother of a toddler paralyzed from the waist down since birth is heartbroken because she says she cant convince her insurance company that her son needs a wheelchair to learn how to be more independent.
Aubrey Allred, 29, of Kingsbury, Calif., told FoxNews.com Friday she wanted to get her son, 2, a wheelchair, but insurance giant Anthem Blue Cross refused because he is too young. The boy, Crue, zooms around now in a Zipzac, a miniature wheelchair that sits low to the ground and gets stuck on sidewalk cracks. Mom said Crue is ready for an upgraded set of wheels, if only the insurer would relent.
I was heartbroken, Allred said of the denial. I probably cried for two days. They are saying my son is not old enough to be independent. I feel just because my son has a disability doesnt mean he doesnt have the right to be independent.
Crue was born with spina bifida, but that has not stopped him from trying to have as normal a life as possible. She is a stay-at-home mom with another son, Easton, 8. Her husband Joe is a lineman for an electric utility company.
"They are saying my son is not old enough to be independent."- Aubrey Allred, mother of toddler who needs wheelchair
Allred said her son, named after the band Motley Crue, is a special boy with a sweet spirit about him. She and her husband are determined to show the boy that he can do whatever he wants in life. That has included taking him to play sled ice hockey and other sports. Once they went rock-climbing.
He was a little afraid at first, but when he saw everyone else, he was bound and determined to climb, she said. It was just awesome to see him do it and to see all the people who were there cheering him on.
Allred said Anthem rejected their claim for a wheelchair in October. Theyre telling me hes 2, stick him in a stroller and hell be fine, she said. She said she was also told Crue would be eligible for a wheelchair when he is 5.
Allred said a resubmitted claim was rejected a few weeks ago, prompting her to go on Facebook to voice her frustration.
Yes, Crue is only 2 but his mobility shouldnt be determined by a doctor that works for the insurance company who has never met him, she wrote. Crue is such an amazing and determined little boy, and is capable of a lot more than they think.
A close friend who saw the Facebook post started a GoFundMe page to help raise the $6,000 needed to get Crue a wheelchair. By Friday, 162 people had chipped in more than $8,800. The Zipzac cost $1,100, an expense not covered by insurance.
Its amazing, Allred said of the donations. I get teary-eyed thinking about it.
Anthem is blaming Allreds doctor for failing submit necessary documentation in a timely fashion.
Our records reflect that claim was denied because their doctor, despite efforts by Anthem to obtain this information, did not provide necessary documentation before the legal deadline to process a claim expired, spokesman Darrel Ng said in an email to FoxNews.com.
Ng said Allred can appeal the decision and can also ask state regulators to investigate.
Allred disputed Anthems explanation. She said she would continue to fight on behalf of her son.
I will appeal, she said. Its not right what they did.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/20/paralyzed-california-toddler-denied-wheelchair-by-insurer/?intcmp=latestnews
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I will appeal, she said. Its not right what they did. Good for her!!
Kudos to the family and the little boy.
Also to all the people that chipped in to get him a new wheelchair.
That thing he is in right now looks like a toy. There are plenty of companies who make pediatric wheelchairs that are adjustable and meant to 'grow' right along with the child who needs it.
Pardon my French, but...shitty, shitty, shitty insurance company. And while Iam usuallyquite leery of people and their 'GoFundMe' accounts (regardless of who set them up), I hope Ms. Allred's does well, and thatlittle Crue will be provided with a better mode of self-transport in no time.
Also to all the people that chipped in to get him a new wheelchair AMEN!!
I hoe all goes well for the family, and Crue can lead a life filled with love and ambition.
Anthem Blue Cross have always been real SOB's! Only Kaiser is as bad.
Typical health insurance BS. Any excuse will do in a pinch, I guess.
I think it is a shame that health insurance companies dictate medical care-- and not doctors who actually see and treat the patients. Every case is an individual one-- every person is different and some may benefit from a treatment that is not "the norm".
I'm glad that he has the $$, donated by kind strangers, to purchase a wheelchair that will enable him to work towards independence.
Here you go....
or.....
or one like mine.....
Love the older one! Roosevelt said that he liked the high backs because he could lean back and rest his head...
Coming from California, I would expect nothing less. While stationed in San Fran, I have BC/BS which, in my case, is based in NM (where my family lived). When I'd go to a Dr.'s office, you would not believe the red tape I had to go through - even to make my co-pay. The Cali group denied a few payments, I called NM office and they fixed it on the spot.
What a thoughtless comment . The insurance company explained their reasons . The kid was too young . Bottom line : He would soon outgrow his chair and need another one . But anything to support socialism ... leftist garbage .