Guard Your Words

These last two weeks have been frustrating on the insurance front. Just before all this started, I came across a quote that I needed to hear: "He who watches his mouth, guards his soul." This comes from Proverbs 13:3 and it has made me stop to think about what I should say and shouldn't say. I have plenty to say about dealing with Steve's company and AETNA but I am going to guard my thoughts and words. . .

To make a long story short, Steve recently changed from an employee status at work to a consultant status. This move is necessary so that we can move forward with our consulting business that we have started. Apparently, an automatic step was taken at his company to cancel our insurance on August 11, 2006 instead of transitioning to COBRA coverage with the same benefits. We did not know any of this until it affected a doctor's appointment, a couple of prescriptions, and the determination for my second cochlear implant procedure for my right ear. I received a call from Teresa, Dr. Merwin's nurse on August 21st telling me that AETNA had cancelled the determination for my cochlear implant for my other ear! I had just found out about the cancellation of the insurance and explained to her what was going on. I was discouraged to find out that we would have to start all over once the COBRA coverage kicked in. We figured we had been in the process for about four months and were so close to getting an answer. We got the COBRA forms from Steve's company by certified mail on August 25th, two weeks after the insurance was cancelled. We immediately filled out the necessary paperwork, wrote a check, and returned it Priority Mail on Monday, the 28th. On Thursday, the 31st, Steve emailed me and told me that his boss/supervisor got a return call from AETNA saying that we should be reflected as COBRA participants and that the benefits determination for my upcoming cochlear implant procedure should continue as if no interruption occurred. So, I sent Dr. Merwin a letter right away to let him know what was going on, that the determination was put back in the queue, and to proceed with whatever it takes for me to be considered for a second CI. Needless to say, Steve and I are not happy about his company canceling our insurance without notice. This whole process has been a lesson in patience for us.

But, there is some GOOD NEWS! My new friend, Jennifer, whom I met a few weeks ago in Nashville, has been approved for her CI surgery and will be having it NEXT WEEK on September 11th! You can read about her progress here. I know she is thrilled and looking forward to hearing again.

In conclusion, everything happens for a reason. We don't always see it or understand it. We just have to trust God and let Him do His work. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. . ." Ecc. 3:1