Status 2

We had another huge answer to prayer yesterday. Caden's case was reviewed at Alta California Regional Center to see if he qualified to be deemed a “status 2.” We already went through this once before at the beginning of November and he was deemed NOT eligible so we were really discouraged. But after receiving a diagnosis of CP from the neurologist, our service coordinator presented his case again and they decided he DOES qualify now.

Originally we were told he needed to have a 50% delay in three or more areas which he did. He had delays of more than 50% in gross motor, speech, and self-help. However, when they originally discussed his case, they said he didn't qualify because he needed to have a diagnosis of either mental retardation, epilepsy, autism or cerebral palsy in addition to the delays. So, we got the CP diagnosis and waited to find out the results of the second meeting. Thankfully they decided he was eligible.

So, most of you are probably wondering what this actually means. Well, first of all, it means that he qualifies for MediCal as a secondary insurance right now. This is a huge relief for us because it means that if/when Caden reaches his lifetime maximum with his primary insurance, we have a backup. That is a big deal when you are considering the health issues Caden has to deal with and the long term effects of them.

In addition to the MediCal waiver, it also provides us with respite/nursing care for Caden. Currently what they requested for us is 90 hours/quarter. We are going to start with that and it should be available to us as early as next week. Yippee! However, our nurse case manager would really like to see us get a full-time nurse (40 hours/week!) in our home to help care for Caden. That takes much longer and we have to wait for the MediCal to go through which can take some time. But in the meantime, I am grateful for any help with Caden because it means it will make life much easier for us especially during these winter months while we keep him isolated.

Kyler and I have already started to go a little stir-crazy and it's only December. We still have approximately four more months left of isolation for Caden. But with respite care, someone can be at the house with Caden while Kyler and I can have a playdate with friends, or even just go to the grocery store, etc. It will be so wonderful to have that! It is just one more way for us to keep Caden healthy this season.

So, we are grateful right now for where things are at. Nothing about this process has been as easy as it could have been and I have had to fight for everything! But I am willing to do whatever it takes in order to get Caden the help that he needs to thrive. That is no small task, but I'm his Mommy and that's my job! Thank you all for your continued prayers. God is good, all the time. And, I know that without Him, we wouldn't be where we are at right now.