A Utah family is hoping their insurance company will reconsider a recent decision that denied their daughter a “life-changing” new prosthetic.
Remi Bateman, 9, was born without a hand below the elbow, and she has used basic prosthetics her entire life, according to CBS affiliate KUTV.
Remi’s mother, Jami Batemen, told the outlet that their family applied for a bionic arm — called a Hero Arm — that would allow Remi to do things like lift a fork and knife and significantly enhance her quality of life overall.
However, the family said that their insurance provider, Select Health, has denied the their request twice, claiming that the arm is not “medically necessary” — despite the family providing documentation from medical providers stating the opposite.
Jami has since set up a GoFundMe for her daughter, explaining that — without insurance — the bionic arm would cost $24,000 out-of-pocket. Jami also noted that Remi has been “dealing with some bullying due to her arm” and that her daughter believes the new prosthetic would “help her feel more confident” since she has outgrown her old ones.
Jami's parents say they hope that their situation will help raise awareness for other families facing similar difficulties.
The family’s GoFundMe for Remi has raised $29,000 as of Dec. 13.
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