Want to help a deserving child this Christmas?
Austin Belt is an autistic child attending Clay County High School. Austin is a severe diabetic and has to have his sugar checked and shots several times a day and through the night. Austin is non-verbal and unable to voice when he is not feeling well.
Austin needs an insulin pump. His parents have tried to go through three different insurance companies to get this device and were denied. After three appeals they were approved and thought they would be getting this for him only to find out there is no durable medical supply that carries these products that will work with the insurance company.
Austin’s doctor and staff have worked so hard through this process and were able to get a company to work with for his insulin pump. Austin’s parents signed a form with Animas (pump supply company) that stated they would be liable for the 20 percent (a onetime cost of $1,600for the pump) and $171 every month for supplies) since they are not affiliated with WV Medicaid.
Austin’s parents, Jason and Kristy Belt, decided to get a loan and have made the purchase. Austin has had the pump for three months and his A1C has already went down two points (it has never gone down since he was diagnosed in 2007).
Austin’s parents now have a plan to purchase the piece that will attach to the pump that will monitor his blood sugar levels continuously. This will help in not having to prick his finger the 8-9 times a day to know his sugar level. It will also help them to know if his sugar is dropping before it gets too low or if it is high and he needs extra insulin.
This piece will not be covered by PEIA or his Medicaid. The total cost is $1,547 for the CGM device and a monthly cost of $299 for the supplies to go with it and twice a year at $199 cost for transmitter replacement.
The bank said they would add this amount to the current loan they have for his pump. Austin’s mother, Kristy has taken a second job to help pay for all these costs. She gladly does this to help her child.
Let’s take care of one of our Panthers. As a community, we can pull together and help our own. Austin is a student at Clay County High School. Donations can be made at the High School during school hours.
Pam Tanner
Clay County High School Secretary
