Insurance company denies prosthetic for nine-year-old Remy Bateman, sparking outrage
- Remy Bateman, a nine-year-old girl from Utah, was born without her left arm below the elbow and recently tested a new prosthetic arm in Colorado.
- Despite positive experiences and previous approvals for prosthetics, her insurance company, Select Health, denied coverage for the Hero Arm, stating it was 'not medically necessary.'
- The Bateman family continues to appeal the decision and has launched a GoFundMe campaign while advocating for better insurance policies for individuals in similar situations.
In Utah, a family faced a distressing situation when their daughter, Remy Bateman, who was born without her left arm, was denied coverage for a new prosthetic arm by their insurance company, Select Health. This decision came after the family traveled to Colorado, where Remy tested the Hero Arm, which significantly enhanced her capabilities and provided her with joy and confidence. Despite having received approvals for three previous prosthetics, the family was bewildered by the denial of this specific arm, especially since it was deemed 'not medically necessary' by the insurance provider. Remy's mother, Jami Bateman, immediately appealed the decision, expressing confusion over the inconsistency of the insurance company's responses. She emphasized the arm's importance for her daughter's daily life and the improvements noted during their Colorado visit. Jami's appeal was met with another denial from Select Health, which cited privacy laws and could not disclose the reasons behind their coverage decision. The prosthetic arm, priced at $24,000 without insurance, is pivotal not only for Remy's mobility but also for her mental well-being, as she has faced bullying due to her disability. The family's advocacy continues, as they aim to raise awareness about such insurance challenges that others may encounter. They have started a GoFundMe campaign to facilitate the payment for the arm while continuing to push for a reconsideration from Select Health. Jami hopes that by sharing their story, others in similar situations will find support and that insurance companies will reconsider their practices regarding necessary medical devices for children. This journey, marked by emotional highs and lows, underscores the critical need for transparency and fairness in insurance decisions, particularly concerning essential medical aids for children. The Bateman family’s determination highlights broader issues regarding access to medical care and the importance of advocating for children with disabilities. Through their efforts, they hope to inspire other families facing similar obstacles to stand up for their children's health and well-being.