Many doctors don’t use the word “Medicaid” and “success” in the same sentence. So I was intrigued when a blog post at the Doctors of America website pointed to the special place in Medicaid for the child with special needs.

Doctors of America Touts Medicaid Success

A statement about halfway through the article (the first half details everything wrong with Medicare and Medicaid) explains the key to this success. The doctor who wrote the post states, “I have seen their families navigate both private and public coverages and it is striking how much support and specialized services a Medicaid patient gets with successfully advocates.”

The Importance of Parent Advocacy

Did you catch that? The reason services for children with special needs are more successful than other Medicaid services is because of effective advocacy by parents. This observation is all the more amazing since from what I read, Doctors of America is an organization pushing for healthcare reform, not a group that wants to make the present healthcare system look good. But don’t take my word for it. Read the article about the special place in Medicaid for the special needs child.

Be Encouraged to Advocate

I think the quote and the entire article is a testimony of the importance of parent advocacy. So the next time you’re tempted to go with the status quo, the next time you don’t want ton fight back when someone says, “No, you don’t qualify,” the next time you think, “I’m too tired to pursue this,” realize parents make the difference. Parents are the reason Doctors of America feels Medicaid works for kids with special needs. May that knowledge give you the energy to
keep going,
keep going,
keep going.
Because you make a difference.
You are the difference.

How Have You Advocated Successfully?

How have you advocated successfully on behalf of your child with Medicaid, the school system, with private insurance, or in some other way. Now’s the time for you to strut your stuff and take a bow. Leave a comment and listen close. I’ll be the one applauding for you.

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