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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — State Rep. Jeffrey Guice of Ocean Springs met with the mother of a diabetic child after telling her to buy her child's medication instead of relying on Medicaid.
The Clarion-Ledger (http://on.thec-l.com/29g4sr3 ) reports that Guice met with Nicole Nichols Wednesday in Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn's office.
Nichols said in a Facebook post that she received a "formal and informal" apology from Guice.
Monday, Nichols sent an email to each member of the state legislature asking for help navigating Medicaid so she could get the monthly diabetic supplies needed by her 8-year-old daughter, Bella.
Bella, a Type 1 diabetic, has had an insulin pump for three years. For the last six months, Nichols said she has reached out to 23 companies trying to get Bella's necessary supplies.
Guice responded to Nichols' email and said, "I am sorry for your problem. Have you thought about buying the supplies with money that you earn?"
He issued a written apology Tuesday night.
Wednesday night, Nichols posted that she had met with Guice and, "Rather than focus on the actions of one individual, I would love to thank the amazing number of people who have taken the time to offer their supportive comments, emails, and words of encouragement."
Nichols declined to comment on the specifics of the meeting with Guice, saying she would "rather focus on the positive instead of the negative."
"With monthly supplies for diabetes management costing an average of $2,500, and potentially more, many parents are forced to make serious decisions regarding living arrangements, jobs and food every month," he said. "In those times of uncertainty, The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi has become a constant source of peace and support for individuals with diabetes and their families."
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Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com
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