What the!?

We had quite the surprise today when we went to meet with the surgeon about Eliza's surgery. Everything with the surgeon went really well. He had no concerns about her cochlea or her candidacy to be implanted, so he sent us to his assistant to set the date for the surgery. We figured it would be smooth sailing from here. After all, we had been through this all last year, so we knew what to expect. Johnny had to wait so he could wear the hearing aids for six months, but eliza has had hers for a year now, so we didn't foresee any obstacles.
Then came the shock. It came when his assistant asked what insurance we had. We told her it was Selectmed, which we had last year, so we had little worry about it. She kind of cringed and said they didn't like Selectmed. I told her we knew that, but it wasn't a big deal because Eliza had her hearing aids for a year now, so there shouldn't be a problem. Then she dropped the bomb. Because of a mixture of things, including, probably the oncoming healthcare reforms, and the parents who had battled Selectmed for coverage for bilateral implants, Selectmed had changed their coverage of cochlear implants. Apparently, they will cover bilateral implantation. However, they will only cover a lifetime maximum of $35,000 toward cochlear implants. Sounds like an ok compromise. Here's the problem: the average cochlear implant procedure costs $60,000. That means whereas Johnny's procedure cost us roughly $1800 out of pocket, Eliza's would cost us $25,000 out of pocket. It floored us. I had heard about changes coming in insurance coverage because of what's happening in Washington. I did not know it would affect us so profoundly, so quickly. We were just staggering trying to figure out what we were going to do. The assistant had several suggestions, which we will look into. Her main concern was that we could possibly get her bilateral implants for the same price, which these kids deserve, so they wouldn't be disabled anymore. I smiled and nodded.
Before anyone out there thinks that we might be bad parents because we would even make money an issue in this situation, just calm down. First of all, to pretend that money is not an issue, is being naive. I love my kids, and I will do anything for their benefit that I possibly can. I have my limitations, and money is a real limitation. If I don't have it, I can't pay it. Secondly, knowing what we know now, I don't equate cochlear implant with Eliza's chances on a successful, fulfilled life. Who she is is not dependent on her ability to hear. Her ability to communicate is not hindered by her deafness. Her opportunities to have friends and be part of a meaningful society is not hindered by her not hearing. We know enough Deaf people to know that they are just as happy, and just as fulfilled as someone who hears. Our kids will be comfortable with who they are, and will never have to apologize in anyway for who they are not, to anyone. The implant is a tool to help them, but I refuse to let it define them. Neither of them need to be afraid or ashamed of being Deaf. All that being said, the third thing is that we are working on figuring out a way to make it happen for Eliza. We have options for our insurance through my work, and we are in the process of finding out if any of them have better coverage for CI. Our open enrollment period is not until November, and would not take affect until next January. Fortunately for us, we are having a life changing event in March or April in the form of a baby. I have already contacted my HR and confirmed that at that point we can change our plan if we would like, and it would take effect the next month. So, our plan is to wait until then and change our insurance and go forward from there. Just like Eliza came in time to let us know that Johnny was deaf, Jak is coming in time to help her get an implant. My kids are so thoughtful.
We were worried at first, but just like always in our lives, the Lord has provided a way for us to do what we feel is right for our kids. We have been amazed throughout all of this at how often we find ourselves making choices that go against the grain, and how often the Lord has opened the doors for us.