Possible Legislation for Coverage of Amino-Acid Based Formulas in SC

Today, during my lunch break, I submitted an online comment to SC Representative Garry Smith related to the finacial struggles many SC families face who have children that require amino-acid based formulas (Neocate, Elecare, Nutramigen AA, etc.).  These families struggle because of the burden created by the enormous expense of these formulas and the failure of most private insurance plans to cover the cost unless the formula is administered through a feeding tube (Feeding tubes are not typically standard in the treatment protocols for many illnesses requiring elemental formula to be the sole source of nutrition.).  The comment only took me about twenty minutes to put together and I simply said what was on my heart.  While my family personally struggles with this issue, I believe a much bigger issue exists:  The fact that working class families employed by the private sector are the only families who cannot currently receive assistance with the cost of prescribed elemental formulas within our state.  In SC, Medicaid covers elemental formulas, WIC covers elemental formulas, the state insurance plan covers these formulas, and the federal insurance plan also covers these formulas.  The only people who do not have the opportunity to receive assistance are those families who are usually paying a substantial amount for private insurance coverage and are contributing directly to the economy within the community (the majority of these families are middle class families who are already stretched financially in this difficult economic climate).  I did not expect anything to result from the submission of my comments to Representative Smith, but I thought that I would at least attempt to raise awareness of this issue.  To my great surprise, Representative Smith contacted me back directly - today!  He is planning to share the information I sent with Senator David Thomas, the chair of the SC Senate Banking & Insurance Committee.  While I know this does not guarantee the introduction of legislation, I am hopeful that it is a step toward positive change for the many working class families who struggle with this expense within our state.   Hooray for politicians who are actually willing to listen to their constituents and who want to be a champion of the middle class working citizen!  God Bless You!