Health Care Story of the Week - 2/24/10

Tamorra Clark is a 10 year old girl born with multiple medical problems, including cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. As a result of these conditions, she requires private duty nursing at home to meet her medical needs. Tamorra’s parents both work in the army and are stationed in Tennessee. The army’s medical insurance covers half of Tamorra’s private duty nursing while TennCare covers the other half. In January, Tamorra’s mom received a notice from TennCare telling her that Tamorra was no longer eligible for TennCare services. She was told that Tamara’s eligibility category was closing and she did not fit in any others. This meant TennCare would no longer supplement her private duty nursing hours, and she would go without care for large portions of the day.


Tamorra’s parents were particularly upset about the impending loss of their daughter’s TennCare and home health care given their line of work. They are two people who have promised to give their lives for the protection of our country yet their daughter may have to go without her much-needed nursing care.

Tamorra’s mom, Ms. Quinn-Clark contacted TJC, worried that her daughter would not be taken care of; Ms. Quinn-Clark was scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan at the end of January, and her husband, who works, would not be able to stay home to take care of Tamorra. TJC explained to her what her options were and told her about the MR waiver. The MR waiver is a statewide program to help individuals with mental disabilities. Enrollment on the waiver also entails coverage by TennCare. Ms. Quinn-Clark applied for the waiver services for her daughter and is waiting a decision.

Ms. Quinn-Clark has already deployed to Afghanistan, where she will remain for one year. In the meantime, her husband must balance his full time military obligations with caring for his daughter, all while worrying about what may happen if Tamorra is not able to enroll.

Health Care Story of the Week - 2/10/10

Judy’s adopted son, Ladontay, age 6, loves skateboarding, coloring, watching wrestling on TV, reading, and going to school. However, Ladontay has cysts on his nose that make wearing regular glasses painful. Judy knew that if Ladontay’s glasses were more comfortable, he would leave them on at school and be able to learn more easily. His doctor ordered special glasses; however, his TennCare vision plan would only cover non-flexible glasses. The law says that children should have what they need to meet their potential. The plan would not even explain to Ladontay’s grandmother why it was denying the glasses.


Frustrated, Judy called the Tennessee Justice Center for help. TJC called the vision plan, Judy called TennCare, and the two worked together to write a letter to the state’s attorneys. Within three days, Ladontay’s doctor was able to fill the prescription for his new, flexible glasses. With his new glasses, Ladontay’s reading and schoolwork will improve and he will be able to participate more fully in sports.

In her fight to obtain the medical care that Ladontay needed, Judy also spoke for many other parents struggling to obtain care for their children. She said, “When I contacted the Tennessee Justice Center, you steered me in the right direction. Your help was a lifesaver. I am so thankful.” She continued, “Without the Tennessee Justice Center, I would have just taken “no” for an answer. Now, I know my rights.”

Health Care Story of the Week - 2/4/10

Eleven-year-old Chance enjoys being outdoors. He loves to play basketball and go swimming. Chance was born with hearing and vision impairments as well as serious psychological and neurological problems.

After a recent hospitalization, Chance was discharged but desperately needed follow-up care. Chance’s doctors had ordered residential treatment for him. This intensive level of care and therapy is Chance’s opportunity to develop to his fullest potential. To avoid social isolation due to his deafness, Chance’s doctors recommended placement at a facility where both the staff and the residents could speak to him in sign language. Integrating Chance in a social setting during his treatment increases the likelihood that Chance’s therapy will succeed, and that upon discharge he will be able to function well at home and in school. Originally, TennCare indicated that it would not cover this specialized treatment for Chance.

Chance’s behavior was out of control due to his disorders and he posed a serious risk to himself, his family, and his peers. He could not return to school. He could not be around other people. In order to keep their son, their family and their neighbors safe, his mother, Kim, stayed with Chance at a State Park. Knowing she could not remain awake around-the-clock to watch over Chance, Kim called TJC for help.

With the help of the Tennessee Justice Center, Chance received the care his doctors recommended. TJC’s advocacy ensured that TennCare will cover the treatment for Chance at a facility that works specifically with deaf children who have multiple special health needs.

Chance’s mother wrote to TJC on behalf of the family: “Thank you so much from all of us, especially Chance. We finally have so much more hope for him.”