Pennsylvania Bill Mandates Insurance for Autism - For Karin Fox, Caroline's mother, the shock of learning her daughter had autism only worsened when she realized health insurance wouldn't cover extensive, and expensive, treatments for the disorder. "It was like a full-time job," Fox, of Narberth, said of figuring out how to pay for Caroline's therapies, "but one that you were never, ever done with."

UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Offers Medical Assistance Grants - The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is offering support to meet the needs of children across the United States 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 for healthcare services that will help improve their children's health and quality of life. Examples of the types of medical services covered by UHCCF grants include speech therapy, physical therapy, and psycho- therapy sessions; medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids, and eyeglasses; and orthodontia and dental treatments. Any child 16 years old or younger living in any UnitedHealthcare region of the United States and in need of financial assistance for healthcare services will be considered eligible for a grant. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States, and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan.

Do Children with Special Health Care Needs Get Needed Behavioral Health Care? (PDF) - Twelve percent of all children enrolled in commercial plans have special health care needs. Almost 40 percent of them have an emotional or behavioral disorder. Left untreated, they can impede personal, social, and cognitive development. This data update is the third in a series designed to keep commercial health plans abreast of the critical issues involved in caring for children with special health care needs.
 

MI Special-needs Children Can Get Help with Medical Bills - Children with special needs who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for medical assistance grants of as much as $5,000 through the Minneapolis-based UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation. Medical services covered by UHCCF grants include speech therapy; physical therapy; psychological counseling; medical equipment, including wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eyeglasses, and braces and dental care. Children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan. To donate or learn more, please visit www.uhccf.org or call 800-328-5979, Ext. 24459. To leave a voicemail message, call 952-992-4459. [Feb. 2007]
 

Featured Website: Covering Kids & Families - Covering Kids & Families works to reduce the number of uninsured children and adults who are eligible for public health care coverage programs but not enrolled. To find low-cost and free health care for children call 1-877-KIDS-NOW or visit http://coveringkidsandfamilies.org.