In a disheartening exchange, Mississippi state representative Mark Thompson recently drew criticism for his response to a concerned mother regarding her daughter’s medical needs. The mother, Sarah Johnson, has an eight-year-old child diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. For the past three years, her daughter relied on Medicaid for essential supplies linked to her insulin pump. However, after the supply company was outsourced, Medicaid refused to cover the new provider, prompting Johnson to reach out for assistance.
Desperate to find a solution, Johnson contacted 23 different suppliers, all to no avail. In an attempt to seek help, she crafted a considerate letter to her state representatives, detailing her struggles. Recently, the Facebook page “Living with Diabetes” shared her letter, which caught the attention of Thompson, among others.
Thompson’s response, however, was anything but empathetic. He suggested in a message that Johnson should simply purchase the necessary medication herself. Shocked by the insensitivity of the reply, Johnson expressed disbelief at Thompson’s tone. Her family is not looking for a handout; they are committed to managing their situation the best they can.
Context of the Situation
To provide context, Johnson’s husband also has Type 1 diabetes and works two jobs, while she runs “Living with Diabetes,” an online community supporting families affected by the condition. Despite their hard work, the monthly costs for her daughter’s medical supplies exceed $2,000. Johnson itemized the expenses, highlighting the significant financial burden:
- Insulin: $400 per vial (two vials monthly for her daughter and three for her husband)
- Lantus insulin: $150 per vial (for emergencies)
- Test strips: $300 monthly (per person)
- Insulin pump supplies: $375 monthly (per person)
- Continuous Glucose Monitor sensors: $300 monthly (per person)
- Glucagon: $450 per syringe
- Ketone strips: $80 for a box of 10
- Additional prescriptions: $150 monthly for various essentials
With insulin costs alone equating to her mortgage payment, Johnson emphasized the life-sustaining role of this medication for her daughter. Following the backlash from his initial comments, Thompson later issued an apology, acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate and lacked understanding of the family’s situation.
His apology, however, felt hollow to many, including Johnson, who articulated the frustrations that come with navigating insurance complications. Many families share similar struggles, and Thompson’s lack of insight into their realities was evident. Johnson concluded her response with a powerful message that resonated with many.
Hope for Change
Fortunately, following the widespread attention the incident garnered, Johnson reported that Medicaid had reached out to her, offering hope for coverage of her daughter’s necessary medical supplies. Additionally, with Thompson up for reelection in 2019, the community is hopeful for a change in representation.
Resources for Families
For those navigating similar journeys, resources on home insemination and fertility can be found at Make a Mom’s guide on home insemination kits. Another helpful resource is Parents’ overview on what to expect during your first IUI, which provides valuable insight into fertility treatments. Additionally, for specific needs, Make a Mom offers an at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit that can assist in the process.
Conclusion
In summary, the situation highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with chronic illnesses and the lack of understanding from some lawmakers. Advocacy and community support are crucial in addressing these issues and ensuring that families receive the assistance they need.
Keyphrase: Medicaid and diabetes care challenges
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