A mother fights for better health infrastructure for special needs children

Geetha VM’s son, Om, faced a harsh reality when his health insurance claim was denied due to his autism diagnosis. Despite being promised coverage for his pneumonia treatment, the insurance company refused to honor the policy, citing non-disclosure of Om’s developmental condition. This incident sheds light on the unfair treatment faced by children with developmental disabilities when it comes to health insurance coverage.

Geetha’s struggle to get insurance coverage for Om highlights a larger issue of discrimination against individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by insurance companies. Despite regulations mandating coverage for conditions like autism and Down’s Syndrome, many insurance providers continue to deny claims or refuse coverage altogether.

The lack of comprehensive health insurance schemes for individuals with disabilities further exacerbates the problem. While the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme offers some coverage, it falls short of meeting the needs of those with intellectual disabilities. This leaves families like Geetha’s struggling to cover medical expenses for their children.

Geetha’s advocacy for fair and inclusive health insurance coverage for individuals with autism is a call to action for insurance companies and policymakers. By raising awareness and demanding accountability, she hopes to bring about positive change in the insurance industry to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, have access to essential health coverage.

As Geetha continues her fight for justice for Om and others like him, her message is clear: individuals with developmental disabilities deserve equal rights and access to health insurance. It’s time for insurance companies to step up and provide fair coverage for all, without discrimination or prejudice.