Breaking Through the Red Tape

Almost a year ago we began the process of getting Daniel on Medicaid in Kansas. We knew the wait was a long one, so we started early. I had no idea what we were in for.

The process in Kansas was the biggest mess I have come across yet. Not only do they have a wait, but the process is full of bottlenecks and less than stellar agencies. Living in Leavenworth county, we only had one option to file and process the paperwork. They were not very helpful and I always felt like I was a burden to them. It would take them months to even look at paperwork and then they would not follow through with what they had promised.

So when we moved to Colorado I expected more of the same. It was actually the complete opposite. When I called, the lady who had to do the evaluation actually talked to me on the phone. She scheduled an appointment to meet within two weeks. Every time I have emailed her with things she responds almost immediately. It has been such a wonderful experience.

But at the same time it makes me sad for those families in Kansas who cannot get the help they need.

The process seems to be just as difficult in Colorado as in Kansas, but the difference is the people. Here we have an advocate who is a parent herself. In Kansas we had a paper pusher who seemed to work a job. The only way to get the best service is to find people who really understand and very few people understand as well as a fellow parent.

Colorado also gets something that most states do not completely grasp and the talking heads in DC cannot even fathom. Colorado understands it is the middle class families that are dying. There are a lot of great government programs out there for those who fall into the category of low income. Don’t get me wrong, we need to care for those who struggle to survive; we have a biblical mandate to do so.

But what about us?

See we fall into the middle class in America. We make a good living, enough that Daniel cannot get government benefits. The issue is, we barely make enough to survive. For us this means we are good day to day, but one hospital trip or a new medicine the insurance will not pay for and we are in trouble. The vast majority of Americans are in this category.

We are fortunate enough that I do not have to work. But what about families who both have to work just to live? A child with special needs often will require one parent to be at home. What do they do then?

That is where Colorado excels. They have a waiver for families like ours. If Daniel does not qualify, we can buy in. This opens the door for assistance with respite, diapers, medical co-pays and even gives me the option to get paid to care for him. All this is open to those of us who, while very blessed, struggle to keep our heads above water.

So, what can you do to help the situation? Great question! I’m glad you asked!

I have no idea.

Not what you expected was it?

The problem is very complex. So let me tell you what I do know. We, as the universal church, have a mandate to care for those who are less fortunate. We often fail to see the less fortunate as those who seem to have a good job and appear to have it all together. Trust me, we put on a good front! The answer is to pray with your eyes open. I’ll give you a little tip, if you listen well enough families like mine always let the struggle slip. Even a little help can make a big difference, especially if the family does not know Jesus.

The biggest thing you can do for the middle class families in America is let people know about the struggles we face as special needs families. This is especially true for those of us who are living this life. The more people know the better off we will be. A situation only changes when people understand the issue and are compelled to compassion.

Be an informed voter. This is so important. Things like minimum wage increases and tax cuts seem to solve the problem of the poor. But they destroy the middle class. God has given us all a brain and the ability to reason. Think and pray through those things before you follow your favorite news channel or political party.

The greatest thing you can do is pray and be ready to act. No matter what, God is still in control.

I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel. Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you. Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart. – Psalm 32:8-11