This topic is about the challenges faced by someone who relies on one-piece convex drainable pouches for their ileostomy care. Due to low reimbursement rates from Arkansas Medicaid, local suppliers have stopped accepting the program, making it difficult for her to obtain these essential supplies. Here are some helpful suggestions and insights for navigating this situation:
1. The Life Goes On Foundation offers donated supplies worldwide. They currently have available:
- 60 Salts Confidence Gold Convex Soft & Secure 1-piece drainable pouches, factory pre-cut to 35 mm with a built-in clip.
- Approximately 80 of the same pouches pre-cut to 38 mm with belt-attachment tabs, along with a variety of mixed brands and sizes from a newly arrived shipment.
- You can contact them with your stoma size and previous brand, and they will send suitable items free of charge.
2. Reach out directly to manufacturers and distributors. Many have patient-assistance programs that might provide products at low or no cost.
3. Consider writing persistently to the Arkansas Governor, including medical documentation that states the necessity for convexity. Repeated correspondence might lead to action.
4. Check with the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) about their national conference, which takes place in early August in New Orleans. These events often feature manufacturers who provide free samples and might help arrange ongoing supply.
5. Explore Fittleworth, an international ostomy-supply company that may serve U.S. customers and offer alternative procurement options.