July, 2006
Just when I’m wondering what I’m going to write about this month I open the paper and see where Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, has had a motorcycle accident and he wasn’t wearing a helmet! What was this guy thinking? He’ll wear a helmet playing football to protect against a 300-pound lineman, but not wear one while traveling at 40 miles an hour riding on a 300-pound machine. That doesn’t make since to me.
Yeah, I’ve heard all the garbage some people have tried to serve up about feeling free, the wind in your face, individual choice, and of course Ben’s previous comment “I’m careful when I ride”. How about knocking your teeth out, peeling your skin off on the pavement, being in pain for weeks as you heal or suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury that will change your and your loved one’s lives forever? Ben’s lucky, he only broke his jaw, knocked out a few teeth, got a 9-inch cut on the back of his head and roughed up his knees. Supposed he had fractured his skull, maybe caused inner-cranial bleeding or severely bruised his brain? The ramifications of such an injury can be far reaching, resulting in a coma or even death. Those that survive such an accident may very well have acquired a disability that may affect the rest of their lives.
For most of us, such an accident would mean paying some very high medical bills. Here in California much of the payment for medical care is administered through HMO’s or PPO’s. At times like these, you need to have a working knowledge of what your “evidence of coverage” is so you can determine what the insurance company is supposed to pay for and how much will be coming out of your pocket. If the HMO/PPO denies payment for medical treatment make sure you know what the appeal process is and if all else fails, contact the California Office of the Patient Advocate (1-866-HMO-8900 or www.opa.ca.gov). They were created to assist the consumer in dealing with insurance companies.
Many accident survivors find themselves in need of “assistive technology” devices to help them perform the functions of daily life. These AT devices can be as complex as motorized wheelchairs and lifting devices to something as simple as a jar opening tool or verbal money reader. In any event, the individual may encounter difficulty finding these devices. The Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) can help in this regard so call us at (831) 462-8720 and ask for the AT Advocate. Funding for such devices can prove to be a problem, so be ready for a slow process. Every funder has his or her own requirements (i.e. Medi-Cal will only fund medical necessities). Be patient, but don’t give up.
For the last 5 years I have been privileged to write this column for you. I have tried to both entertain and enlighten you. At times I have tried to excite you to action. I have rallied against injustice and praised programs and people that have made a difference. But this will be my last column as I am moving on to a new position. I’m sure the Central Coast Center for Independent Living will continue to produce columns for this publication that will continually bring you news for and from the disability community. I’ve had a great time.
There is still much to do. Remember… Disability is a random event that can occur in any life, at any moment. Michael Bradshaw, Central Coast Center for Independent Living