Policy Change Would Be Needed for Liam Houck—Rep. Hunter

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, who represents Ramona and East County, told Patch editors on Wednesday that his staff is working to find solutions for military families such as the Houcks, whose child desperately needs a kidney transplant.

Liam Houck, born March 2010, has been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure because of a rare disorder. His family is being screened as potential kidney donors and they hope Liam can have a transplant around Christmas.

Liam's parents—Vanessa and Reid Houck—hold health insurance through the military. Reid is a Marine Corps captain based at MCAS Miramar. Vanessa separated from the Air Force to take care of Liam, who is unable to eat regular food and has to be fed breast milk. The family lives in Ramona.

On Wednesday, Hunter told Patch that he is familiar with the situation and that a policy change for cases like this is needed from the Department of Defense and its health insurance contractor, Tri West Healthcare Alliance.

"If that's not done, then there'll need to be a legislative fix, and that would be a bureaucratic situation. It wouldn't happen in a hurry," Hunter told Patch editors at a meeting. He said his staff is working on the issue.

Vanessa Reid told Patch recently that Liam is covered under a plan called TriCare, as well as an extended health option, and Medicare. The family has stated to media that they are not complaining about the military insurance but just need help for their son.

In the 50-minute interview with Hunter on Wednesday, Patch asked a number of questions about a variety of issues, including the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. job creation, the economy, the federal budget and unemployment.

Hunter represents the 52nd Congressional District.

Patch will publish the transcript of the interview in a few days.

A kidney transplant such as the one Liam needs can cost half a million dollars, according to the family's information page on the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) web site. COTA is helping the Houcks and other families raise money for surgeries.

The Houcks hope to raise $125,000 to cover surgery-related expenses not covered by insurance plus the cost of the breast milk. So far, people have donated $103, 766.45. Readers can find updates on the COTA web site (link above).

Liam was born with Eagle Barrett's Syndrome, known as Prune Belly Syndrome.

Characteristics of the syndrome include abdominal and urinary tract abnormalities, which can lead to life-threatening consequences.

Hunter is a Marine Corps veteran who served in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

Hunter's aide in Washington, D.C.—Joe Kasper—told Patch on Wednesday that any legislative fix would require action from both the House and Senate.

"But the Congressman has made a request to TriCare."