A Utah family is hoping their insurance company will reconsider a recent decision that denied their daughter a “life-changing” new prosthetic.
Remi Bateman, 9, was born without a hand below the elbow and has used basic prosthetics her entire life, according to CBS affiliate KUTV.
Remi’s mother, Jami Batemen, told the paper that their family applied for a bionic arm — called the Hero Arm — that would allow Remi to do things like pick up a fork and knife and significantly improve her overall quality of life.
However, the family said their insurance provider, Select Health, denied their claim twice, claiming the arm was not “medically necessary” – despite the family providing documentation from medical professionals to the contrary.
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Jami has since set up a GoFundMe for her daughter, explaining that — without insurance — the bionic arm would have cost $24,000 out of pocket. Jami also noted that Remi is “dealing with some bullying about her hand” and that her daughter believes the new prosthesis would “help her feel more confident” since she’s outgrown the old ones.
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Jami’s parents say they hope their situation will help raise awareness for other families facing similar difficulties.
The family’s GoFundMe for Remi has raised $29,000 as of Dec. 13.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education