Babies born with Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) cannot tolerate infant formula that contain milk, soy or a derivative and thus are forced to use expensive formula that most insurance companies refuse to cover, even though the formula is used as a prescribed treatment. Formula that MSPI babies take, e.g. Elecare, Vivonex can run anywhere from $35 - $50 per can. These cans last 3 days at the most. If you are lucky you can sometimes find cans for sale on Ebay. Some parents are forced to use credit cards or take out loans to cover the costs of the formula. When our son had MSPI the formula costs alone were over $4000.
2007-01-25 15:24:48 · 5 answers · asked by Michelle S 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Absolutely!!!! It is a medical condition and sometimes milk allergies can be harmful. Check with your local WIC office. Sometimes the income limits are set high and your doctor can prescribe them.
2007-01-25 16:15:41 · answer #1 · answered by momof3 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if it's really that expensive and medically necessary and doctor ordered then YES your insurance should pay for it. I'm guessing your premiums are through the roof as well. I'm sorry you had to go through this. Could he not tolerate breast milk? That is so lame that your insurance wouldn't cover his formula. What a nightmare.
2007-01-25 23:37:25 · answer #2 · answered by 4 Shades of Blue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know I'm going to get a thumbs-down on this...
No, I don't believe insurance companies should cover formula. Just like I don't believe insurance companies should pay for someone's vegetarian grocery list if they can't tolerate meats.
Unfortunate, yes. But to make it someone else's liability almost sounds like a cop out. Make insurance companies pay for one baby's formula, and you will get 100 other "cheaters" out there trying to get their baby's diet comped too.
It is very sad that 'special' formula is so expensive - turn back to the manufacturer for complaints instead of wanting to dump it on your insurance. The manufacturer will never change if you do that.
2007-01-26 00:01:58 · answer #3 · answered by P. K. 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yeah they should, but have you heard of Womens,Infants and Childrens (WIC) maybe they can help, or ask your doctor if there are any other programs that can help with the expense of that. Also contact the Mfg. maybe they could send coupons???
2007-01-25 23:33:39 · answer #4 · answered by ?only?me? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's always WIC and breastfeeding which is free...
2007-01-25 23:35:14 · answer #5 · answered by Miriam Z 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋