Medical Helmet for Colby

This may come as a shock to a lot of people because we really haven’t talked about this at all. We have been fighting a silent battle of disbelief and worry. Colby was born with an indentation on the back of his head. And a few months ago we were handed some heavy news that was pretty scary and hard to accept. Colby has a Chromosome Deletion that has caused his head to not grow properly. Because of this, repositioning therapy has not been effective. We have been to numerous Doctor’s appointments between here and the University of Michigan trying to figure out exactly what all of this means and what his future will entail. Because his head is not growing at a fast enough rate to “round out” his head we need to get him an Orthotic device to fix it. The insurance Company has decided that they do not want to pay for this despite the appeals and letter of necessity from the Neurologist. Without this helmet he is at risk for:

·         SIDS

·         Migraine

·          Headaches

·         Astigmatism (He has an eye that wanders)

·         Developmental Delays (we are already experiencing this)

·         Eating Difficulties

·         Learning Difficulties

·         Loss of Vision

·         Higher risk of Hearing Loss

·         TMJ

·         Scoliosis

·         Seizures

The cost of all of his appointments has really drained us. I have at least 3-4 appointments a month for him, meaning taking days off, some with Travel to UM, and $30 co-pays for each visit. This helmet is $3,000 but the company is willing to let us pay what they would have charged the Insurance Company. This leaves us with a $2,100 bill just for the helmet, along with the $30 monthly co-pay a month for adjustments. They are requiring us to pay this in fill by April 11 in order to order the Helmet. If we do not helmet before age 1, we will not be able to helmet as the sutures in the skull close.

I am only seeking help with the cost of the Helmet. I will not accept any money over that amount. I am at a loss. I feel like the Insurance Company is negligent as they are starting to deny a lot of his claims. This is a fight that is not going to go away. By the grace of God we will get through this and do our best to help him overcome the obstacles ahead of our stinky cheese.