Present on the Zoom call were committee members Richard Emmel, Mark Pearson, Al Adams, and Patrick Casey, with Jacob Grummer from the ACH Social Work Department.
Present on the Zoom call were committee members Richard Emmel, Mark Pearson, Al Adams, and Patrick Casey, with Jacob Grummer from the ACH Social Work Department
Case #1: This case involves an 11-year-old patient with a sleep disorder breathing. The patient’s mother is a single mom with three other children in the home. Mom reports being behind on their gas bill and is currently on a payment plan. The patient’s mother also states that her vehicle has a dead battery, and she has been unable to afford a new one. Mom shared she has to walk all of her children to school and has to ask for rides for doctor’s appointments. We are requesting $578.99 to pay off the remainder of the gas bill and $250 to purchase a new car battery. Total ask: 828.99
NOTE: The committee voted to defer action on this request as it was not clear that the child’s clinical condition was significant enough to be considered catastrophic. Mr. Grummer was asked to provide more information regarding the child’s clinical status, including the frequency of hospitalizations and clinic and Emergency Department visits. The committee can vote on this request via email after that information is provided.
Case #2: This case involves a 17-year-old patient who recently suffered a traumatic brain injury from a gunshot wound. Parents have not been able to work consistently due to staying with patients in the hospital. The family is having difficulty paying their regular bills and is requesting assistance for the following bills: water, electricity, mortgage, and car.
Total asked: $1,484.42 APPROVED
Case #3: This case involves a 3-year trach/vent and Gastrostomy tube-dependent patient who had been hospitalized for seven months. The patient has now been weaned off the vent but still requires a tracheostomy. The patient has been hospitalized many times since her initial discharge home and is followed by complex care as well as several specialty clinics. The patient’s father is currently the only parent working in the home. The patient’s mother stays at home with her to care for her. This family has recently become behind on bills and needs assistance getting caught up. We are requesting assistance with the mortgage and an electric bill.
Total asked: $808.89 APPROVED
Case #4: This case involves a 3-month-old (preemie) who is still hospitalized. The patient’s parents are college-age, and the father is a full-time student while working full-time. Dad continues working while is hospitalized. Mom was just medically cleared. They have fallen really behind on bills due to travel back and forth and mom not being able to work. These are concerns they will default on their mortgage (which is $1, 063.05 per month) without some help. The family reached out reluctantly and asked if there were any resources. We are asking if the committee would approve either two or three months’ worth of mortgage payments to keep them above water until the patient can be discharged. Requesting either $2126.00 or $3189.15.
