Health Care Story of the Week - 12/10/09

It was only through Judy's diligence that her 12 year old son, Chase, received the care needed to correct a serious vision problem that limited his activities and ability to read. Chase’s optometrist prescribed vision therapy. After two months of therapy, his eyesight had improved significantly. However, at that point, less than halfway through his program, Judy received notice from TennCare that it would not pay for the treatment. She decided to pursue the care which was bringing her son’s world into focus.


After she received the TennCare denial letter, Judy contacted the Tennessee Justice Center, asking for assistance in presenting her case to TennCare for her son’s vision therapy. Between working at the YMCA and caring for Chase and his sister, she needed help in navigating the TennCare system. TJC explained what Chase’s rights are, and helped her file an appeal as well as supplementing Judy's appeal with a letter to the state about Chase’s situation.

In response to TJC’s letter, TennCare said that the vision therapy was experimental and denied it. The only alternative that TennCare offered was bifocals, which wouldn’t actually correct Chase’s eyes. Judy was determined to find a way to continue the therapy that was helping her son. Since Chase could not continue seeing his doctor, with the doctor’s guidance, his mother performed the vision therapy at home consistently. Through prayer, tenacity, hard work, friends’ support, and with two months of doctor-guided therapy, Chase’s vision is now normal.

“I wish TennCare would cover the treatment that benefited my son and other alternative treatments that could benefit other children,” said Judy. “Instead of facing a lifetime of vision problems, Chase’s vision is normal because of the therapy. A few months of vision treatment seems more medically and financially wise in the long run, instead of the bifocals offered by TennCare. Over the years, bifocals would cost more.”

Judy added, “At first I felt like I was all by myself, thinking ‘am I going crazy?’ not having anyone’s support legally. Because of TJC, I did not feel alone in navigating through the legal system. Thanks to all at TJC!”