In a troubling incident that highlights the struggles of families dealing with chronic illnesses, Mississippi State Representative Mark Thompson recently faced backlash for his insensitive response to a mother advocating for her daughter with Type 1 diabetes. Sarah Johnson’s eight-year-old daughter has been relying on Medicaid for her insulin pump supplies for the past three years. However, after the supply company was outsourced, Medicaid stopped covering the new provider, leaving Johnson in a difficult position.
Desperate for assistance, Johnson reached out to her local representatives, explaining her situation in a heartfelt letter. She detailed her struggles in finding a covered supplier, having contacted 23 different companies with no success. One of the representatives who replied was Thompson, whose response left Johnson shocked and frustrated.
In a message that seemed dismissive, Thompson suggested that Johnson simply purchase her daughter’s medication out of pocket. This remark struck a nerve, as Johnson and her husband, who also has Type 1 diabetes, work tirelessly to make ends meet. Despite their efforts, the out-of-pocket costs for their daughter’s essential medications and supplies exceed $2,000 each month.
Johnson’s Monthly Expenses
Johnson detailed her expenses, which include:
- $400 per vial of Humalog (2 vials a month for her daughter, 3 for her husband)
- $150 per vial of Lantus (for emergencies)
- $300 per month on test strips
- $375 per month for insulin pump supplies
- $300 per month for Dexcom CGM sensors
- $450 per syringe of glucagon
- $80 for a box of ketone strips
- $150 monthly for various smaller prescriptions
She poignantly noted that the cost of insulin alone amounts to her mortgage payment each month, emphasizing that it is a lifeline for her daughter.
Initially, Thompson declined media interviews but eventually issued a vague apology after Johnson’s story garnered significant attention. He claimed his comments were “insensitive” and expressed regret for his knee-jerk reaction. However, many felt his statement lacked sincerity and failed to acknowledge the real challenges families like Johnson’s face when navigating healthcare systems.
Fortunately, since the story went viral, Johnson has received outreach from Medicaid, which may lead to coverage for her daughter’s much-needed medical supplies. Additionally, with Thompson up for reelection in 2019, many are hopeful that this incident will highlight the need for more compassionate leadership in healthcare.
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In summary, the incident involving Rep. Thompson and Sarah Johnson serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for empathy and understanding in healthcare policy. Families facing life-threatening conditions shouldn’t have to fight for access to the supplies necessary for their children’s well-being.
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