Follow-Up: Adopted Baby Denied Insurance Finally Gets Coverage

By Leisa Zigman, I-Team Reporter

KSDK -- The I-Team has an update regarding baby Olive, the special needs adopted child who was denied health insurance because of a loop hole in Missouri's insurance laws.

Adam and Elizabeth Frick's health provider denied them coverage, but has now done an about face.

Last Month, the I-Team reported how Golden Rule could legally deny coverage because the plan was not based in Missouri.

The Frick's were thrilled with the company's change of heart and said they're working to change state law. The Frick's sent NewsChannel 5 the following statement:

"We are thrilled and encouraged that Golden Rule has chosen to insure Olive, and are overwhelmed by the support and assistance we've received from family and friends (and some kind strangers) so far. We are now working with our State representative to get legislation written and passed to address this gap in Missouri's health insurance law.

"After several conversations with the Department of Insurance, it does appear that Golden Rule acted within the law, albeit through a series of loopholes and exceptions that we don't feel should exist. The Department of Insurance has agreed to send us their legal department's findings on the matter, and we have sent them a FOIA request to receive all documentation that exists regarding this matter.

"We are determined to find out how these laws discriminating against adoptive families were put in place, and by whom, so that we can effectively close the loopholes and ensure that no other adoptive family has to go through what we've been through.

"The fact that Golden Rule's unethical actions are legal in the State of Missouri is an outrage, and we intend to do everything we can to fix that problem. Updates and information on how others can help this cause, via letters, petitions, or calls to legislators will be available on our blog, saintlouisfricks.blogspot.com."