For many families their child's needs far exceed their insurance coverage. Many families have high co-pays and deductibles or limited coverage that may not pay for physician recommended treatments or services. There are options:
Public Insurance Options: Are you aware of the TEFRA Program? Tefra is a Medical Assistance program for children under the age of 18 with disabilities. Eligibility for TEFRA is based on the child's disabilities and NOT ON the parent's income, although there is a parental fee based on the parent's income.
To learn more about TEFRA: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=id_007117
United Healthcare Children's Foundation Grants- The United Healthcare Children's Foundation is offering support to meet the needs of children nationwide with assistance grants for medical services not fully covered by health insurance. Parents and caretakers across the country will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $5,000.00 for health-care services that will help improve their children's health and quality of life.
Examples of the types of medical services covered by the foundation grants include speech therapy; physical therapy and psychotherapy sessions; medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eye-glasses, and orthodontic and dental treatments. To be eligible for the grants, children must be 16 years old or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, live in the U.S. and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan. For more information, visit: www.uhccf.org
For Help with your Insurance: PACER Center has a Family-to-Family Health Information Center that can provide information and assistance with understanding insurance coverage and how to file appeals when insurance denies a service which you believe should be covered. To learn more contact the Family-to-Family Health Information Center Staff: 952-838-9000. Web-site: http://www.pacer.org/health/index.htm
Additional Insurance Information:
A Consumer's Guide to Getting and Keeping Health Insurance in Minnesota: http://healthinsuranceinfo.net/mn.pdf
Errors and Patient Safety: http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/errorsix.htmMedical
Links to Financial Guides and Information: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/mcshn/finres.htm
Military Personnel: Medical, Family Support, and Educational Services Are Available for Exceptional Family Members: