Central Florida's 2007 Christmas Miracle

Central Florida's 2007 Christmas Miracle
Richelle Starnes Receives Lifetime Care
Rep. Feeney Thanks Navy for Reversing Decision

(Washington, DC) - U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) today celebrated the news that Richelle Starnes, a Central Florida mother will receive the lifetime care she was promised and deserves from the Navy. Earlier this year, Richelle received devastating news that the Navy would no longer pay for her HIV medication that was promised to her for life. Richelle's mother passed HIV along to her following a misdiagnosis from a Navy doctor that led to a blood transfusion.

This has been one of Rep. Feeney's top priorities and he and Senator Bill Nelson have fought to ensure that Ms. Starnes receives the care she was promised and deserves. Rep. Feeney drafted a private bill stating that the Navy shall provide care and prescription medication for reasons arising from or related to HIV and has also sent several letters to the Navy and House leadership on this issue.

"This is truly a Christmas miracle for Richelle and her family. I want to thank the Navy for reversing their decision after reviewing Richelle's situation and having the backbone to right a serious wrong. In the end, the Navy turned out to be Santa instead of Scrooge.

"Richelle Starnes is the bravest young women that I have had the pleasure of fighting for. Truly a brave soldier, Richelle has never complained or whined -- she has only asked for what was promised to her so she can live to raise her young child.

"In addition to the Navy, I'd also like to thank Senator Nelson for his help in urging the Navy to reverse their decision," said Feeney.

On June 22, following 16 years of treatment, Richelle Starnes received word that the Navy will no longer pay for her HIV medication. In 1979, Richelle's mother, Kathy Baker contracted HIV after a misdiagnosis from a Naval Doctor led to a blood transfusion. Kathy Baker gave birth to Richelle Baker in 1980 and after a rash appeared in 1990, Kathy received testing and was diagnosed with HIV. The following month, Richelle was diagnosed with HIV. Both Richelle and Kathy received care at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda from this time. The family was reassured that both would continue to receive care for the rest of their lives.
In 2005, two years after her mother passed away from AIDS complications, Richelle received word from the Navy denying her Secretary of the Navy Designee (SECNAVDES) status. (The family had been told that SECNAVDES is the means to which Richelle will get lifetime care). With the help of Congressman Tom Feeney, Richelle received one year continuance of SECNAVDES status from date of May 19, 2005 memo; however, this designation expires one year from date of memo and Richelle is informed “to undertake the necessary steps to transition to civilian health care upon expiration of this designation.”

Then, in March of 2006 after another year of attempting to find a permanent solution, the Navy conceded another one year extension. However, earlier this year, the Navy sent word that they will no longer pay for her medication, which costs thousands of dollars a year.