http://www.dmregister.com/news/stories/c4788998/16063266.html
10/02/2001
A northwest Iowa man suffering from
multiple sclerosis may lose his Medicare - all because of a camping trip.
Stan Leusink, 51, of Hull can't use
his arms or legs, hold his head up, swallow or speak. Every year, his wife,
Val, wheels him into their camper to spend a few days at a lake.
His health care agency, CHEARS of
Sioux Center, says camping means Leusink doesn't fit Medicare's definition
of being homebound.
The agency terminated his Medicare
services in July.
Leusink's doctor says he has fallen
through a crack in the system. But medical centers submitting claims that
don't meet Medicare guidelines could face fines or lose future Medicare
payments.
Val Leusink has asked Iowa Sens.
Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley for help.
Copyright © 2001, The Des Moines
Register
By Register Staff Report
HULL