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Dad Dumps Suit on Medicaid Over Diapers
When I first heard a father wanted Medicaid to pay for his daughter’s diapers, I had the reaction most of you probably did. Here we go again.
But this story is much more detailed – and infinitely sadder – than some guy just trying to get what he can get. Floyd Smith is a widow with four kids and no job. And those diapers? They’re not for a baby.
Smith’s eldest daughter, a sixteen-year-old has both cerebral palsy and mental retardation. She can’t be potty-trained. This is a life-long state for her. And it’s one that is costing her father $200 a month.
He’s been out of a job since being laid off around the time his wife got sick in 2007. Until that point, Mom was the breadwinner while Floyd’s job as a waiter brought in some extra cash. With a sick wife and four kids, Floyd wasn’t able to get another job. He now works thirty-three hours a week doing community service in order to qualify for the benefits that keep him and the children afloat.
Florida is one of several states that won’t cover diapers as a medical cost, and it’s not just cramping the family’s lifestyle. Smith said it’s put him at a point where he has to choose between food or diapers.
The state’s answer? Sharett could be institutionalized, where they’d pay for her care. That’s the answer they give a father struggling to keep his family together? I understand families who have made that particularly difficult choice because they thought it was best for their kids, but it’s not best for all kids. And the bigger issue here is whether diapers qualify as medical supplies.
The state says no. As a parent who is very fortunate to be past the potty training phase, I beg to differ. Incontinence that lasts past four or maybe even five would send any of us to the pediatrician, would it not? Maybe they’d prefer we send them a diaper for proof. Anyone game?
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8 Comments
Ali commented on Jun 12 09 at 4:32 pmWhy doesn’t the maker of adult diapers step up and donate the supplies to this family? The publicity would be very beneficial and corporations donate to families with multiples all of the time.
Manjari commented on Jun 12 09 at 4:44 pmIt’s ridiculous that they would rather pay for her entire care than fork over $200/mo. for diapers.
TolaniLucia commented on Jun 12 09 at 5:05 pmAli I am with you in wondering why they will not donate?
Twyla commented on Jun 12 09 at 9:51 pmI agree with Manjari. It seems like a weird trade. It would be better on the state’s finances to just cover the diapers.
lisa from helpamotherout.org commented on Jun 13 09 at 1:52 amWe blog about this diaper issue. There is actually a HUGE policy disconnect that is relatively unknown to the public. Safety net programs like food stamps, WIC, medicaid also DO NOT cover diapers. Likewise, diaper companies seem to only donate when it is news worthy, such as when someone has octuplets. You’ve got elderly, developmentally disabled, and homeless and low income babies & toddlers who go without (some stay in the same diaper for days). Diaper banks do exist in some areas of the country. Google “diaper bank,” or come check out our blog to learn more. Hope that this family does end up getting a donation by this Babble coverage.
Jacqui commented on Jun 13 09 at 9:10 pmThere is a company of adult diapers that will provide them for free if the family qualifies. I suggest someone contact the family and tell them about Woodbury Products. But as a side note, as a Floridian with a child that has special needs, it boggles my mind that the state would rather pay exorbitant exorbitant amounts of money to institutionalize a child then provide some basic assistance to families. I finally had to call their bluff and put my child in a group home b/c of the lack of available services in our area…..
christina commented on Mar 11 10 at 10:10 amComments as of march 5th 2010 medicaide will now cover depends most doctors offices dont know yet but there setting everything up the governer changed it due to parent complaint
patrick commented on Aug 09 10 at 3:26 pmthe states get federal funding for these institutions, based on numbers, they are highly motivated to increase enrollment. The same is true of learning disabilities in the school systems, Child protective services has similar incentives. These are systems rife with corruption and fraud.
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