Appointment with a State Representative

Well my day has been interesting... I met with my local state representative an individual whom I didn't vote for in the recent election, but won none the less. So I figured I might want to sit down with him and discuss the conversations I had with his competitor about Cochlear Implants.

What I wanted to discuss was having a bill passed similar to one in Oregon that states if an insurance company is willing to pay for one Cochlear Implant, then they must fund the second if deemed medically beneficial. I mean if a child or an adult is missing two legs they will cover both, so why not both ears. I wasn't sure what he would say or if he would be willing. He was ready to write the bill, then and there, and start working on getting it done before May. I was impressed, he enjoys fighting insurance he said so we will see if he's all talk or really out to support the hearing impaired.

During our discussion we spoke about the economy, our local school district and such. I mentioned how I had been unemployed for quite some time and recently took a position with a high end grocer here in town. Well it seems the CEO of said company is one of his biggest supporters. He asked if his writing a letter to said individual would help me. I told him it probably wouldn't hurt and he is going to draft a letter to be sent in the next week. This may help me move into management much quicker, we shall see. He stated he was impressed with my desire to help others, even though my child already has both implants. That was nice to hear.

It really is amazing how the Lord works, last night I was kind of down about this whole thing, but a few prayers and time can really change things.

Hello Mr. Senator

Well today I decided to stand up as a voter and write my representative the following letter:

Mr. Vaught,

My name is Matthew McIntosh and I am a voter in your district; more importantly then that however I am the father of a 17 month old Deaf child. I am not sure how much you know about advancements with the hearing impaired, but it truly is amazing what can now be done these days through modern medicine. The problem is that insurance companies are more worried about the bottom line then the welfare of the leaders of tomorrow. My point is this as I know you’re very busy. I would like for you to do what is necessary to help insure that all children that meet criteria could have the chance to hear out of both ears. Most insurance companies are only willing to pay for ONE implant in a child, while most children, actually ALL children have TWO ears. Just recently in Oregon they passed:

O.R.S. § 743A.140 Bilateral cochlear implants; coverage

(1) Whenever any policy of health insurance provides for reimbursement of a cochlear implant, the insured under the policy is entitled to coverage of bilateral cochlear implants.

(2) For purposes of ORS 746.230, a reasonable investigation of a claim for bilateral cochlear implants must include a request to the treating surgeon for a written recommendation based on peer-reviewed medical literature and for the medical findings that support the recommendation.

(3) The provisions of this section apply to a health benefit plan as defined in ORS 743.730.

(4) The provisions of this section are exempt from ORS 743A.001.

Added by Laws 2007, c. 504, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.

I don’t really know how you present by laws during session, or if I’m asking the right things, but this is something I feel needs to be done and thought I would start with you. I am lucky, my insurance company did approve my Child's second implant and today he is learning to speak and hear like other children his age, but there are many adults and children unlike him who fight insurance everyday. Please consider this when deciding what to present and support this year. I will be asking friends and family all across this Great State of Texas to carry this flag in order to assist all children and adults that can not hear. My great, great, great, great, grandmother Sarah Dodson once created a flag and many recognize it as the First Flag of Texas, where it was carried to the battle of Concepción and the siege of Bexar. It is also said to have flown over the building where the Convention of 1836 met and declared independence from Mexico. This will be my flag and I plan to wave it just as proudly and declare independence for those wishing to hear with both ears.

I would enjoy having the opportunity to sit down and speak with you about this and look forward to your response.

Best Regards,

Matthew McIntosh

Will it be answered we shall see, will anything be done about it after that who knows, but I have decided that somethings need to be fought for and this in my opinion is one of them. Maybe this whole blogging thing will make me speak out more. If you are interested in writing your state representative as well, feel free to pull from the Oregon Statute.