A couple weeks ago, I had a phone interview with someone from the Children's Defense Fund regarding our insurance woes. You can follow that link for handy little factoids, such as MY state has the highest rate of uninsured kiddos in the nation! Go Texas!
This was the only conversation I've had with anyone about this situation that gave me any hope at all. It was a quick phone call, mainly exchanging of information, but it was the first phone call that didn't end in some variation of "I'm sorry, there is nothing more you can do". It was the first phone call that left me with the smallest glimmer of hope.
She said that their outreach teams would be contacting various insurance agencies in our state, sharing our story with them, and trying to get somewhere. They will also be contacting legislators to that same end. At the end of our conversation, she asked if I would be willing to share our story with a larger audience, allow them to share it with the media, especially as they push for changes to be made to the current system. I said yes.
Tomorrow someone is coming to our house to interview me and take photographs for the story. This is a whole new world for me. I've never been THIS person. I've always been the person who politely declines and is much happier to stay silently in the background. But that KayTar, she got to me, and for her I'll shout it from the rooftops. But it isn't only that. I live in the state with the highest rate of uninsured children in this nation, and not all of those parents have the opportunity or voice to speak out. If I do have that ability, I have to take it...not just for KayTar, but for all the children like her, and all the families like ours. It's time for a change.
The interviewer sent me questions to ponder in the meantime and I'd like to leave you with one. What would YOU tell lawmakers about the need for SCHIP and Medicaid? I know my answer already, but I'd love to hear yours as well.
Cross posted at MOMocrats.
And don't forget to visit my photo blog for my Best Shot Monday!
20 comments:
You are an inspiration! I would say that access to preventative care for children will likely save money and ease crowding in places like emergency rooms in the long run... in addition to it being the right thing to do of course.
Hon I've got nothing to say here that you don't already know from personal experience. I just wanted to say YOU ROCK! So glad you're doing this!!
I would absolutely say yes. Go public. Be the change you want to see happen.
You're awesome.
There is this warrior woman in you, Kyla. For your babies? The world.
Hi there. I write for Momocrats and saw the post on your daughter.
I think Children's Defense Fund will be able to help; they've got a slew of policy/government relations folks with good capitol hill connections.
I'd also call Gene Green, from the 29th district. He is a big SCHIP supporter and often speaks about TX's dismal national standing. Congress is recessed until 3/31 so try his district office -- (Houston at 281-99-5879 or 713-330-0761; baytown at 281-420-0502.). His legislative director in the DC office (202-225-1688) used to be Andrew Wallace but that may have changed.
Oh, wow, Kyla. I'm so glad you are doing this. You really do inspire. I got choked up reading this. Again.
Wow Kyla what an opportunity.
I wish I were shocked that Texas has the most uninsured kiddos, just sad.
I am so excited to hear where this goes.
I think it's great that you are doing this. One of the things I would stress is that how much income you have should not be the deciding factor in whether or not your child gets medical care.
I just wanted to say that I'm thrilled that people are finally giving you a chance to tell your story and I know it will touch a lot of people - you go girl!
You rock.
And your photo from Saturday? Also rocks!!
Kyla,
My kids both have albinism. It is genetic condition that causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. I also have the condition and was a co-founder @ 14 of a National non-profit that provides information and support about albinism. I have been fortunate to have been interviewed many times about the condition. I'm REALLY glad you're doing this.
To answer your question, I would point out that it costs MUCH less now to get children started down a solid path to good health and in an educational environment where they can realize their greatest potential (whatever level that might be) than it will cost later to treat the same issues that have grown and magnified with age.
I say, pay now while they are young and it is less expensive.
If you'd like to talk with someone who has been interviewed before, I'd be happy to chat with you.
I think this is really good news, but in my personal experience, you can't always control the angle they choose to tell your story. I don't regret ANY of the interviews of done (even the one with Inside Edition), I just wish some of them had selected a different focus.
Good Luck to you!
You go girl, YOU ROCK. You are articulate, knowledgeable, and passionate - you will be a voice.
(also, check for boogers before photos are done - just sayin', not that that ones is based on experience or anything - OK it did happen to me but learn from my mistakes, k?)
xo
YOU GO GIRL!!!!
You go Kyla!
It's funny how standing up and fighting for our kids can turn us into the roaring lioness that was always in there. Good luck tomorrow (today), I know your story and knowledge will be incredibly important in solving this issue.
I'm cheering for all of you! :)
Yes. Good for you, Kyla. Needs to be done, and you are just the articulate, passionate, informed, and outraged mom to do it. And KayTar deserves it. All the kids deserve it. Go team!
I'm proud of you, stepping into the messy limelight for this, knowing you are no media hog in normal life. It can't be easy, but it's important.
And me? I'd say that basic healthcare shoudl be a right. That no government should allow citizens to have backs turned on them for something not of their making. No one asks for poor health, and the health issues are suffering enough. They should never be cause for a family to go into bankruptcy. The state has a duty to its members - and if they won't take on health care, they have to legislate to make sure that the companies that do it, do it according to a right and fair standard. I would say that the constitutional right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is seriously undermined if Americans can't even be in good health.
Awesome! You are going to do a great job.
oh kyla--i ho[pe this all works out! i'm eager to hear how it goes (went?)
Running on empty
Yes!!!! You will such a good spokesperson for this, Kyla. I look forward to seeing how it all turns out.
And a triple YES!!! for the possible coverage for Kay-Tar.
Go public.
Hell. Yes.
Post a Comment