03:00 PM PST on Tuesday, February 1, 2005

By CATHY KIYOMURA / KING 5 News

SHORELINE, Wash. – Little Charlotte is 3 years old and she is dying.

Her parents have been battling their insurance company to pay for home nursing care they believe their daughter needs.

"We just take it one day at a time. It's a gift to be with her," said Angie, her mother.

KING

Charlotte has a progressive neuromuscular disorder.

Doctors say Charlotte has a progressive neuromuscular disorder with a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years.

Their insurance policy covers about 25 days of home nursing care, but that ran out last spring.

DSHS is now helping to pay for 16 hours of home nursing a day, but her parents want their insurance company, Great West Life & Annuity, to pay its share of Charlotte's home care.

"We haven't had the benefits we felt we would have under the insurance policy," said Paul, her father.

"She needs to be with us. No one can care for her the way we can," said Angie.

"They are requesting private duty nursing and that's not a benefit of that health plan. The company has explained to them three times that is not a benefit," said Great West in a statement.

According to Charlotte's parents, their insurance company will pay for hospital care that is likely more expensive and far away.

They believe Charlotte has surpassed expectations because of home care.

The insurance company is paying for most of Charlotte's medical equipment and medication, but reiterates that nursing care at home is not in her insurance policy.