Joanne,
Things aren't much better up here in Milwaukee. Insurance
companies will do any and everything to save money at the expense of an
individuals safety. I'm on medicaid and it's the same story. My advice
here is to not go down without a fight!
Someone makes a co2 monitor that can be put in line in the
ventilator circuit. As far as being able to hear her, have you tried a
baby monitor or intercom system of some kind? Have you ever thought of
training your own people to cover some of the other nights? If you have
the means it can be done. It's hard to find good people especially for
nights but there are some people out there. I know this would be a last
resort but if you go round and round with your insurance company, and
they just won't budge, you may have to consider other options.
Eric