So as I’ve discussed, Baguette has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We’ve been trying to navigate the process of working with the local school district, insurance, and a psychological agency to get her the services that she needs.
This is taking much longer than I think it should.
Part of this is because we are overwhelmed by it. There is always more paperwork–we still haven’t finished the intake form for the regional center. There are so many different service providers. And there is insurance.
The agency did an evaluation in September. We had all hoped that they would be able to start treatment this month. But the insurance authorization just came through this week. Thanks, insurance.
And in case that isn’t enough fun, keep in mind that we will have to change insurance companies in January, because our employer is going to stop offering our current plan. (This is not an Affordable Care Act thing. This is the routine “we’ll no longer offer that plan” thing. It’s irritating, no matter why it’s happening.) Will we have to go through authorization again? I suspect so. Will Baguette’s care be interrupted? I freaking hope not.
Authorization also means that we will be changing the kind of support we’ve been providing in Baguette’s classroom. For most of the past year, she’s had a “shadow” who gives her help in the classroom for part of the day. This is not covered by insurance. But when we start Applied Behavioral Therapy (ABA), there shouldn’t be a need for the shadow. Which will mean that we will be spending less on this–although we will still have co-pays for ABA–but also means that we will have to tell someone who’s been doing exactly what we asked her to that her services are no longer needed.
All of us, including the shadow, knew that this day would come, and indeed that it was a goal. That doesn’t make it easier.
And it looks like part of the ABA will take place at preschool, and part will take place at our home, on a mix of evenings and the weekend. So I’ll need to figure out how to modify my work schedule, which offers a variety of challenges as well. I am particularly anxious about this.
It’s a lot. And it’s not going to be easy. But the idea is that it will help Baguette, and that makes it worthwhile.
I just think “worthwhile” should come with less paperwork.
Tough stuff! Sounds like you’re handling it well. Hugs to little Baguette (and you)!
We’re doing our best!
Honestly, it really should. I have heard too many stories from students and their parents about the hefty amount of paperwork, tedium, and waiting that it takes to get a child the help they need. When I rule the world, it’s something on my list to change.
I like your vision for the world.
You are not kidding about the paperwork! I feel like a small forest was felled with my son’s diagnosis!
And every time we talk to someone new, we do the same intake. Over and over and over. Can’t we all use Google Docs or something?
I feel your pain. We are dealing with the same insurance runaround for Sprout, and I’m about to have a Network moment where I scream, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!”
The thing is, there is not the slightest reason for this to be so complicated–particularly not with today’s technology.
Sheesh and here I was complaining about all the paperwork and bills and statements just from delivering the babies. I hope that everything transitions smoothly from one insurance to the next. My company has switched providers many times too but thankfully they tend to stick to the same doctors, as I have yet to switch.
We’re going to talk to the agency and see what their experiences with our new insurance options have been. I think that will drive a lot of our decision process.
Unfortunately worthwhile often doesn’t come with anything easy :/ sorry dear, hope the transition to the new insurance is a smooth one.
Fingers crossed. It may be more manageable than we thought at first. We’re still learning.