NC Foster Care Insurance Fails Sick Child

Ollie Super, an 8-year-old with a history of neuroblastoma, is facing renewed health challenges. Her parents sought to enroll her in a CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial at UNC Health in North Carolina, but the state's new specialized insurance for children in foster care denied coverage. This plan, implemented in December, aims to expand healthcare access for children in the foster care system and those adopted out of it.

North Carolina is among 14 states with such specialized plans. However, families have encountered significant obstacles. Thousands of doctors, previously covered under standard Medicaid, are not participating in the new plan, forcing guardians to scramble for providers. This has led to delays in procedures and access issues.

Similar problems have been reported in other states, including Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Georgia, with issues ranging from provider access to inadequate mental health services. Despite these rollout difficulties, the trend of specialized foster care plans is growing, with four states adopting them in the last five years.

UNC Health initially refused Ollie's treatment coverage, as they had not yet agreed to terms with the insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. After two months, an agreement was reached in mid-March. However, some providers still do not accept the new insurance, and systemic issues like health record transfer problems persist, affecting patient care.

Despite the initial insurance denials and ongoing complications, Ollie's family is relieved that her CAR T-cell therapy treatment is now proceeding. The multimillion-dollar procedures are covered, allowing the family to focus on Ollie's recovery. They hope the therapy will effectively fight her cancer, enabling her to live a more normal, playful life with her siblings and pets.