Legz - It sounds like you need an advocate. Some insurance co. have them as well as various social services. In addition, I would call the ortho back, despite him being an idiot, and tell him that "Grace" was not approved for the back brace and have them fight for the brace for you. Additionally, I would write a letter to the Medicaid program explaining what is going on and ask/tell them if they willing to cover you for the rest of your life due to any issues that arise from not having the brace since they denied it. Are they willing to pay for your surgeries, physical therapy, medical equipment, home care costs, etc. that may be needed as a result of their denial?

I did have to do something similar with DD18 when she had never ending strep and 3 dr recommend a tonsillectomy. The insurance denied it, I wrote 2 letters - one from me and one from me with signatures from the parents at her day care center as their kids were getting sick as well. We wanted full compensation on lost pay and medical bills. DD18 was approved and had her surgery within a week.