Due to a congenital facial deformity, I have been experiencing severe chronic pain in my jaw, ears, neck, and shoulders for the past three years. I am the mother of three little girls and my routine debilitating migraines and pain medications have made it difficult for me to be the kind of parent I would like to be. The medications have provided little relief, the pain becoming so severe at one point that I could no longer chew food and my weight plummeted to a dangerous 116 pounds.

Surgery to correct the deformity became my only option. Even though my doctor, oral surgeon, orthodontist, and sleep study doctor all insisted that I proceed with surgery immediately, my insurance through Providence Health would not cover the recommended procedure. I sent four appeal letters to Providence, including detailed arguments from my doctors. Each appeal was denied. Though the company recognized the medically necessary nature of the recommended treatment, they refused to cover it because my condition did not fit within their definition of degenerative disease. James and I decided to go ahead with the surgeries this past fall and winter and not to worry about the cost until afterwards. James needs his wife back and the girls need there mom back. I need me back.

James is working overtime at the Tualitin fire department and my friends and I are gathering donations through craft and garage sales, but we’re still struggling with the $35,000 bill from the surgeon. We haven't received the bills for the operating room fees, anesthesia, hospital equipment and stay and are unsure how we’ll cover all the costs. We are both frustrated and anxious. It is so hard, to be that person that needs help! I feel pretty hopeless at the moment. We have fought every angle with Providence health insurance, but they have backed us in a corner.

Chrissy’s Message to Legislators:

"Insurance companies should not be standing in the way of decisions made between doctors and patients. We have played by the rules. Why are we being penalized?"

"I have a good job that provides my family and I with great health insurance, however the insurance company does not want to pay for the surgery that she needs. I make too much money to qualify for any type of financial aid.  I work overtime every month, just to make ends meet.  I am tired and exhausted...."

-James Whyte, husband of Chrissy Whyte, Oregon City