Bravery, down to earth nature, and love of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — well, that's a start for describing Tyler Ransom, but it's not all-inclusive. Tyler has Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney disease in which valuable protein in the blood leaks into the urine, which causes fluid to leak into the body. As Tyler explains, "I have a disease called Nephrotic Syndrome, which causes my kidney's filtering system to shut down automatically, which causes fluid running through my thighs, which causes them to puff up so I can't put on my pants. My eyes will be swollen shut, and the next day I weigh 15-20 more pounds." To stay active and strong, Tyler takes part in Jiu Jitsu classes, which is something he really enjoys doing. He says, "when I do MMA, I feel like I'm in a whole other dimension." Tyler caught the attention of many MMA fighters, such as Bas Rutten, Kenny Rice, and Strikeforce fighter Ronda Rousey. Tyler appreciates these experiences and says, "it's been amazing since I'm a huge fan of it, and I get to most of my favorite fighters, the ones I see on TV or Strikeforce. It's amazing that they are supporting me with my kidney disease. I just feel really special with it." The best part? Actually getting a match with the MMA fighters. "The coolest thing I've been able to do is to actually spar with the fighters," says Tyler. "I get to...

Tyler, a brave kid with Nephrotic Syndrome, enjoys MMA and seeks to raise awareness and funds for a cure through his foundation.

Healing Tyler: Awareness for Nephrotic Syndrome

 Bravery, down to earth nature, and love of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — well, that's a start for describing Tyler Ransom, but it's not all-inclusive.   Tyler has Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney disease in which valuable protein in the blood leaks into the urine, which causes fluid to leak into the body. As Tyler explains, "I have a disease called Nephrotic Syndrome, which causes my kidney's filtering system to shut down automatically, which causes fluid running through my thighs, which causes them to puff up so I can't put on my pants. My eyes will be swollen shut, and the next day I weigh 15-20 more pounds."   To stay active and strong, Tyler takes part in Jiu Jitsu classes, which is something he really enjoys doing. He says, "when I do MMA, I feel like I'm in a whole other dimension."   Tyler caught the attention of many MMA fighters, such as Bas Rutten, Kenny Rice, and Strikeforce fighter Ronda Rousey. Tyler appreciates these experiences and says, "it's been amazing since I'm a huge fan of it, and I get to most of my favorite fighters, the ones I see on TV or Strikeforce. It's amazing that they are supporting me with my kidney disease. I just feel really special with it."   The best part? Actually getting a match with the MMA fighters. "The coolest thing I've been able to do is to actually spar with the fighters," says Tyler. "I get to...

Studies continue to show that the use of antibiotics disrupts the delicate balance in the digestive tract and colon of patients with special healthcare needs. This compromises healthy liver, immune and bowel function. Research in the journal Nature now indicates antibiotics can permanently destroy healthy gut flora balance leading to a lifetime of chronic health issues. However, there are times when antibiotics are necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control, antibiotics are the most important tool we have to combat life-threatening bacterial diseases. So what can we do to get the benefits from antibiotics without all the side effects? BioRay’s Antibiotic Support Protocol Support during antibiotic intake: 1. Traditional medicines like antibiotics can put additional stress on the organs of elimination, leading to liver and kidney congestion. A liver restorative such as Liver Life™ normalizes high liver enzymes, decongests the liver and kidneys, balances phase I and II liver detox pathways and rejuvenates the liver cells. Liver Life™ is safe to use in conjunction with traditional medicine. • Adults: start with 13 drops ramping up to 3-4 droppers, 2x a day on an empty stomach in water or juice. • Children/Sensitive Individuals: start with 1 drop, ramping up as tolerated to 1-3 droppers, 2x a day on an empty stomach in water or juice 2. Include beneficial yeast, like Saccharomyces Boulardii. Antibiotics can’t distinguish between the “good” and the “bad” bacteria. So supplementing with probiotics during antibiotic use is often inefficient. However,...

Antibiotics can disrupt gut balance, but steps like taking Liver Life(tm), Saccharomyces Boulardii, and probiotics can help maintain health.

Maintain a Healthy Body During Antibiotics

Studies continue to show that the use of antibiotics disrupts the delicate balance in the digestive tract and colon of patients with special healthcare needs. This compromises healthy liver, immune and bowel function. Research in the journal  Nature  now indicates antibiotics can permanently destroy healthy gut flora balance leading to a lifetime of chronic health issues. However, there are times when antibiotics are necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control, antibiotics are the most important tool we have to combat life-threatening bacterial diseases. So what can we do to get the benefits from antibiotics without all the side effects?  BioRay’s Antibiotic Support Protocol   Support during antibiotic intake:  1. Traditional medicines like antibiotics can put additional stress on the organs of elimination, leading to liver and kidney congestion. A liver restorative such as Liver Life™ normalizes high liver enzymes, decongests the liver and kidneys, balances phase I and II liver detox pathways and rejuvenates the liver cells. Liver Life™ is safe to use in conjunction with traditional medicine.  • Adults: start with 13 drops ramping up to 3-4 droppers, 2x a day on an empty stomach in water or juice. • Children/Sensitive Individuals: start with 1 drop, ramping up as tolerated to 1-3 droppers, 2x a day on an empty stomach in water or juice 2. Include beneficial yeast, like Saccharomyces Boulardii. Antibiotics can’t distinguish between the “good” and the “bad” bacteria. So supplementing with probiotics during antibiotic use is often inefficient. However,...

Derek Winbush is 63, lives in Boston, and has cirrhosis, kidney disease, nerve damage in his feet that makes walking difficult, vision problems, vertigo, and is HIV positive. He can't work steadily. He also doesn't qualify for a formal disability exemption under SSI or SSDI, which means when Medicaid work requirements take effect in Massachusetts, he'll be required to work, volunteer, or complete job training for 80 hours a month to keep his coverage. He is, according to the Boston Globe's May 21 reporting, representative of a much larger population: approximately 300,000 MassHealth enrollees who have serious chronic health conditions that prevent them from meeting the 80-hour monthly requirement but who fall outside the federal definition of "disabled." The federal law creating work requirements included a "medically frail" exemption specifically for people like Winbush. CMS is supposed to publish the final definition of that exemption on June 1. But even when it's published, it may not protect everyone in this gray zone. What the Medically Frail Exemption Does and Doesn't Cover. The OBBBA legislation, the federal law that mandated Medicaid work requirements, includes five categories of people who may qualify as medically frail: Blind or disabled per the Social Security Act (SSI/SSDI recipients) Substance use disorder Disabling mental illness Physical, intellectual, or developmental disability that significantly impairs the ability to perform one or more activities of daily living Serious or complex medical condition The fifth category, "serious or complex medical condition," is the one that's supposed to catch...

300,000 MassHealth enrollees have serious conditions but no disability exemption. How to protect coverage before work requirements start.

Massachusetts Reports 300,000 Medicaid Enrollees Are at Risk Even with Serious Health Conditions. Here's What to Do If You Fall in the Gray Zone.

Derek Winbush is 63, lives in Boston, and has cirrhosis, kidney disease, nerve damage in his feet that makes walking difficult, vision problems, vertigo, and is HIV positive. He can't work steadily. He also doesn't qualify for a formal disability exemption under SSI or SSDI, which means when Medicaid work requirements take effect in Massachusetts, he'll be required to work, volunteer, or complete job training for 80 hours a month to keep his coverage. He is, according to the Boston Globe's May 21 reporting, representative of a much larger population: approximately 300,000 MassHealth enrollees who have serious chronic health conditions that prevent them from meeting the 80-hour monthly requirement but who fall outside the federal definition of "disabled." The federal law creating work requirements included a "medically frail" exemption specifically for people like Winbush. CMS is supposed to publish the final definition of that exemption on June 1. But even when it's published, it may not protect everyone in this gray zone. What the Medically Frail Exemption Does and Doesn't Cover. The OBBBA legislation, the federal law that mandated Medicaid work requirements, includes five categories of people who may qualify as medically frail:  Blind or disabled per the Social Security Act (SSI/SSDI recipients) Substance use disorder Disabling mental illness Physical, intellectual, or developmental disability that significantly impairs the ability to perform one or more activities of daily living Serious or complex medical condition  The fifth category, "serious or complex medical condition," is the one that's supposed to catch...

CMS published the interim final rule (CMS-2454) defining "medically frail" today, June 1, 2026. This is the rule disability families have been waiting for since Congress mandated Medicaid work requirements in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill. The definition determines which enrollees are automatically exempt from work requirements rolling out in 2027. If you're enrolled in Medicaid expansion coverage and have a disability, this rule directly affects whether you'll need to prove work hours, verify exemption status quarterly, or face disenrollment. Here's what the rule says, what conditions qualify, and what you need to do before your state's work requirements start. What the Rule Defines as 'Medically Frail'. The CMS interim final rule establishes five categories for medically frail status: Blind or disabled individuals: Anyone receiving SSI or SSDI automatically qualifies. Disabling mental disorder: Serious mental illness that substantially impairs daily functioning, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD when documented by a mental health provider. Substance use disorder: Active diagnosis or participation in treatment within the past 12 months. Intellectual, developmental, or physical disability: Includes cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and physical impairments requiring assistive devices or substantial accommodation. Serious or complex medical condition: Chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment and substantially limiting one or more major life activities, including but not limited to diabetes with complications, congestive heart failure, COPD, epilepsy, chronic kidney disease, and cancer. The rule also includes a sixth open-ended category: "any...

The rule defining 'medically frail' dropped June 1. Here's what qualifies, how states implement it, and what to document now.

CMS Just Published the Rule That Defines Medicaid's 'Medically Frail' Exemption. Here's What Disability Families Need to Do Now.

CMS published the interim final rule (CMS-2454) defining "medically frail" today, June 1, 2026. This is the rule disability families have been waiting for since Congress mandated Medicaid work requirements in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill. The definition determines which enrollees are automatically exempt from work requirements rolling out in 2027. If you're enrolled in Medicaid expansion coverage and have a disability, this rule directly affects whether you'll need to prove work hours, verify exemption status quarterly, or face disenrollment. Here's what the rule says, what conditions qualify, and what you need to do before your state's work requirements start. What the Rule Defines as 'Medically Frail'. The CMS interim final rule establishes five categories for medically frail status:   Blind or disabled individuals: Anyone receiving SSI or SSDI automatically qualifies.  Disabling mental disorder: Serious mental illness that substantially impairs daily functioning, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD when documented by a mental health provider.  Substance use disorder: Active diagnosis or participation in treatment within the past 12 months.  Intellectual, developmental, or physical disability: Includes cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and physical impairments requiring assistive devices or substantial accommodation.  Serious or complex medical condition: Chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment and substantially limiting one or more major life activities, including but not limited to diabetes with complications, congestive heart failure, COPD, epilepsy, chronic kidney disease, and cancer.  The rule also includes a sixth open-ended category: "any...

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Special Needs
Articles

Healing Tyler: Awareness for Nephrotic Syndrome

Maintain a Healthy Body During Antibiotics

Massachusetts Reports 300,000 Medicaid Enrollees Are at Risk Even with Serious Health Conditions. Here's What to Do If You Fall in the Gray Zone.

CMS Just Published the Rule That Defines Medicaid's 'Medically Frail' Exemption. Here's What Disability Families Need to Do Now.

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

Healing Tyler: Awareness for Nephrotic Syndrome

Maintain a Healthy Body During Antibiotics

Massachusetts Reports 300,000 Medicaid Enrollees Are at Risk Even with Serious Health Conditions. Here's What to Do If You Fall in the Gray Zone.

CMS Just Published the Rule That Defines Medicaid's 'Medically Frail' Exemption. Here's What Disability Families Need to Do Now.

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles