It’s true, navigating the world of acquiring durable medical equipment (DME) can be a lengthy, overwhelming, and sometimes maddening process. But first — what’s DME and why does it matter? DME includes medical supports and devices that can withstand repeated uses over time, like wheelchairs, communication devices, orthotics, and more. It can make a world of difference in your child’s life, improving mobility, independence, and their overall well-being.
Undivided parent member, Lelah Coppedge, says the absurd amount of work she has had to put into procuring her child’s wheelchair has made her feel like “a CEO of a Fortune 500 company.”
The process can be quite a journey with its fair share of long waits and frustrating experiences, so we’ve assembled some tips for getting the most out of two of your biggest frustrations — DME and Medi-Cal appeals — with as little mental and emotional burnout as possible.
Undivided tips:
- Take advantage of wait times! While we can’t always avoid lengthy wait times, we can stay on top of our kids’ DME orders by being proactive and persistent while in wait mode (such as having all medical documents required to initiate the DME acquisition process ready to go!). Find more tips, and a full breakdown of DME, in our article Durable Medical Equipment (DME) 101.
- Brush up on Medi-Cal basics! Let’s take some of the work from your plate so that you can more quickly find and access the Medi-Cal services and supplies your child needs. (What the heck is an institutional deeming waiver?!) Check out our Medi-Cal Terms & Services Glossary for more info!
- Speak up! The fear of our kids going without essential medical equipment is something most of us can relate to. If you hit any roadblocks with DME or any other covered service, don’t hesitate to advocate for your child. You can request a hearing to appeal the decision. Learn how the Medi-Cal appeal process works in our article The Medi-Cal Appeal Process.
Free education and IEP printables and templates are here!
Our mission at Undivided is to make sure every child with disabilities has the services and supports they need, when they need them, which includes empowering parents to advocate for those services and supports. We’ve put together a variety of templates and printables — including an IEP goal planner, school tour checklist, IEP prep checklist, and more — to make it easier to stay organized and communicate with your IEP team about your child’s needs. Grab one, or grab them all, here!
IHSS training opportunities for paid parent providers
If your child receives In-Home Support Services (IHSS) and you’re a paid parent provider, the IHSS Career Pathways program provides training opportunities to improve your skills. Read up on available course pathways, training time pay and incentives, and reporting courses on your timesheet, in our recently updated article IHSS Career Pathway Courses: Parent Training and Incentives.
Celebrate this parent’s triumph with Undivided! Celebrate this parent’s triumph with Undivided! Thanks to the dedication and resourcefulness of the family’s Navigator, maneuvering the complexities of care became a breeze. The client became their child’s IHSS provider and received respite hours, which provided invaluable support to the family. The client said the Navigator’s guidance and emotional support was unlike anything they had ever received.
Getting the Most Out of Self-Determination (don’t give up!)
Our Facebook Live event with Self-Determination Program Manager Christine C. Tolbert is coming up on October 5! Sign up for the event here if you haven’t already. (A full replay and recap of the highlights will be sent to RSVPs if you can’t make it live!)
Undivided Spotlight: Nominate your favorite provider!
It’s time to spotlight a provider for October! Do you have a favorite OT, PT, SLP, behavioral interventionist, or other therapist your kiddo loves to work with? Send us their name and title, practice name, email, and socials (if you know them!) so we can reach out to them. Submit your nomination by October 4!
Preparing for the One-Month IEP Check-In
Did you miss our live event with education advocate Dr. Sarah Pelangka about working with your IEP team to make sure your child has all the accommodations and services they need at the beginning of the school year? Find the full recap of highlights here!
Office Hours with Lisa Concoff Kronbeck
On Wednesday, October 4, 12:00–1:00 p.m. PDT, Undivided’s Public Benefits Specialist will be available to answer all of your questions about funding therapies, social rec, and medical supplies through Medi-Cal, Regional Center, and more! Bi-weekly Office Hours are virtual Q&A sessions with experts that are open to Undivided members only, so if you’d like to attend, sign up here to begin your free Kickstart!
Get expert tips for paying for disability services when you’ve been denied coverage. Watch on YouTube→- We’re so grateful to parents in our community who share their advice about medical procedures, child care, and more! Join our private Facebook group →
- How do you communicate your child’s health needs to their school? Get a quick rundown of what an IHP is. Check it out on Instagram→
- Who in your community could benefit from Undivided’s support and resources? Share about us on LinkedIn→
- Undivided Navigators are backed by experts in public benefits, education and insurance, and they’re here to support you. Get started→
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This newsletter was originally sent to our subscribers on 9/28/23. Subscribe to our newsletter to get more resources like this in your inbox, or check out our full library of articles, templates, and videos at undivided.io/resources.
