Outrageous Insurance Company Response to Girl Born Without Left Arm: A Case Study in Disability Discrimination

## Family's Frustration Over Insurance Denial for Girl's Prosthetic Arm *Source: [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14188707/Remy-Bateman-utah-prosthetic-insurance-company-response-left-arm.html)* ### Background on Remi Bateman - **Age**: Remi is a **nine-year-old girl from Utah**. - **Medical Condition**: Born without her left arm below the elbow due to an **amniotic band**. - **Prosthetic History**: She has used several prosthetics throughout her life. ### Appeal for New Prosthetic - **Recent Development**: The Bateman family aimed to upgrade to a **Hero Arm**, a robotic prosthetic that Remi tested and enjoyed. - **Insurance Company's Response**: The family's insurance provider, **Select Health**, labeled the new arm as "**not medically necessary**," leaving the family confused and frustrated, especially since they had previously approved three prosthetics. ### Family's Actions - **Appeal Process**: Jami Bateman, Remi's mother, **immediately appealed** the insurance company's decision, questioning the inconsistency. - **Support Options**: The family has launched a **GoFundMe** page to raise funds for the prosthetic, which costs approximately **$24,000** without insurance. As of recent updates, they have raised over **$15,400**. ### Call for Awareness - **Advocacy**: Jami hopes that their experience will **raise awareness** for others facing similar challenges with insurance companies and medical coverage. - **Personal Growth**: Jami shared that having the robotic arm significantly improved Remi's daily activities and confidence, highlighting its life-changing potential. ### Conclusion The Bateman family's struggle reflects broader issues related to insurance coverage for necessary medical devices, further complicating life for those with disabilities.