Republic man fights ALS and State
 

Republic man fights ALS and State
Shumaker was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, a year ago.
By Jerry Hume
Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.

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http://www.wluctv6.com:80/news/news_story.aspx?id=90115



REPUBLIC -- Sixty-eight-year-old Lewis Carl Shumaker was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, a year ago. ALS is a fatal muscle debilitating ailment.

"It takes all my strength to move,” Shumaker said. “Alot of times I need help to move around."

That's why Shumaker asked Medicaid to pay for a power wheelchair back in July. With the help of his sister, Arlene Hill, and Bay Home Medical, they requested the special needs chair. But the Michigan Department of Community Health delayed his request, saying they needed more information.

"This was a stalling tactic on the Department of Community Heath's part; they are waiting for Carl to pass away, so they don't have to spend the money," Hill said.

On Tuesday, we learned his application was denied.

"Medicaid is obligated under their own written policies to provide him equipment while he is in the skilled nursing facility," said Heidi Gil, with Bay Home Medical.

A spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Community Health says just because his application for a power wheelchair was denied, it's not the end of the story.

"We agreed to supply him a wheelchair,” said Department of Community Health spokesman, James McCurtis, “but the chair will cost less than $12,000."

But officials with Bay Home Medical are still not satisfied. They say the cheaper chair won't accommodate his progressive disease, and they'll appeal the denial and request a court hearing.


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Disgusted
It figures that once again our own government is lacking in helping our own people. My grandfather died of this disease in 1996, and it was the most horrific way to watch him go. If this chair is one way for this gentleman to retain some measure of quality of life, then it should not be denied him. I sincerely hope the cure is found for ALS sooner rather then later, but until then, every measure to help ease and assist it's victims should be taken. To do anything less is disgusting. This disease is a tragedy to all it touches, with no rhyme or reason, and my sympathies to those still fighting and praying.

— Tricia Coker, Gwinn
http://www.wluctv6.com:80/news/news_story.aspx?id=90115