Lily’s mom Christie has felt a range of emotions all at once since her daughter’s diagnosis of autism last year: anger, sadness, frustration, and feeling overwhelmed, alone, and alienated from parents of typically developing children.

By far the biggest challenge was fighting with her insurance company to get coverage for the therapy Lily needs.

A WAAA insurance advocate helped Christie write an appeal letter to her insurance company in response to a denial of coverage letter.

“Dealing with the insurance company was very intimidating and they did not make the process easy. I don’t think I could have done it without WAAA!” Christie said.

“The advocate helped me so much in understanding the appeal process and how to request information needed from the insurance company to put the letter together, and basically writing the letter for me.”

After Christie filed the appeal letter, she received a call from the clinical supervisor at the insurance company assuring her that they will cover Lily’s therapy -- and personally call the place they choose to work with and set it up.

“I am overjoyed to hear that the insurance company will be working with me to ensure that Lily gets the therapy she needs and deserves,” Christie said.

Looking ahead, Christie said she hopes WAAA will continue to support expansion of autism therapy providers throughout the state, including northern Washington where she lives.