This toddler’s medical expenses can hit $3,000 a month. Her family says nearly every insurance claim is a battle.

To prevent pneumonia, Carrie Lazoen says that her 2 -year -old daughter, Emmalyn, needs a “trembling vest”.

Emmy, as his family calls him, has a rare genetic disease called Aicardi syndrome. The disease – which can shorten life expectancy – affects his brain, causing seizures, vision problems and significant development delays. As a result, Emmy cannot walk independently. Daily activities require careful surveillance. She cannot sit alone or hold her head for a long time.

A trembling vest, officially called high frequency thoracic wall oscillation vest, vibrates when Emmy carries it to loosen and release mucus in its lungs.

But Lazoen said that it had taken several months and three refusals before the primary health insurance of the family, United Healthcare, approved the coverage to rent the vest. In a visual denial letter by NBC News, dated April 17, United wrote that Emmy’s state was not eligible for the coverage of the vest in part because Emmy did not obtain frequent pulmonary infections – precisely what the vest is supposed to prevent.

The episode was only one of the many Lazoens, from Manito, Illinois, treated when it comes to covering Emmy’s care.

“It’s horrible,” said Lazoen. “It should not be so difficult to treat them when you have a disabled child.”

In the end, most family health insurance complaints were approved. But Lazoens’ history highlights a harsh reality for many families who have children with a debilitating medical condition. They are forced to wage two fights: one for their child care and another against the results of an insurer.

If you deal with invoices that seem to be offline or a refusal of coverage, care or repairs, whether for health, house or car, please send us an email to Costofdenial@nbcuni.com.

Some complaints approved for a month are refused the next one, Lazoen said; Other times, the same affirmation is refused up to four times. These include complaints for medical equipment, as well as regular physical visits and occupational therapy. Lazoen said that, overall, most of the complaints she had submitted were initially refused by United. They sometimes had to turn to their secondary insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, for approvals, said Lazoen.