I am the parent of a minor child who has been utilizing Appendix K. This has been crucial to keeping my child safe and healthy. Prior to Appendix K, my son had eleven hospital admissions in 2019 year due to his multiple profound medical complexities while attending school part time. Since early 2020, he has had two admissions. A dramatic decrease due to continuing to homeschool.
I have my child's medical billing and insurance payments that were made by Virginia Medicaid in 2019-April 2022. Total payments made were $788,837.68. 95% of that total is for the 2019 fiscal year.
Prior to the pandemic we waited for 4 1/2 years for home health skilled nursing. We were not able to get nursing for even 1 day per week despite being approved for 7 days per week. How am I, a divorced parent supposed to work? A court cannot force an absentee parent to be involved nor remain in the state. In 2016, we lost our house and stayed in a shelter for 6 months. Rapid Rehousing may provide support for up to 2 years. During this time, nursing was emphasized but still was not staffed despite every pediatric agency including out-of-network having ads listed. Now it is even more difficult, if not impossible to find home health nursing. Just prior to (February 26, 2020) Appendix K, my landlord filed for eviction. Being able to be my child's caregiver affords the stability to keep shelter and provide for my child's needs.
It is also cost effective. We do not need TANF, SNAP, or a housing voucher because our basic needs are met.
While waiting for nursing because not actively using the waiver, compounding issues mean we can't utilize any part of the waiver such as Environmental Modifications or Assistive Technology.
