Monday, August 11, 2008

Disparity in Action

KS Health Policy Authority weighed in again and said that they will provide me with a prosthesis that is both medically and functionally necessary, no dollar limit, as long as it doesn't contain "electronic components." That's like saying, "We'll provide you with any car you need to drive to work, pick any car on the lot! Just pick one with no motor." When asked why it's denied the answer is the same, "Because it's electronic." Yes...but WHY? "Because it's electronic." Reminds me of my mother 50 years ago..."Because I said so."

I can understand adopting a policy and sticking to it, but here's the sticky wicket -

Not only do state employees fall under the umbrella of KHPA, but so do KS Medicaid recipients. Of course, since we all fall under the same policy, the rules apply to all. Right? Wrong again. KS Medicaid recipients, under the KHPA Policy, can, and do get the prosthesis along with the electronic components. KS State employees cannot.

So here we are again. My quality of life is decided by KHPA where disparity is openly practiced. Don't think for a minute that I'm saying that KS Medicaid recipients aren't entitled to full prosthetic coverage - that's not my point. The point is that KS State Employees should be afforded equal coverage.