UHCCF Assistance Grants for Medical Services

The United Healthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) http://www.uhccf.org/headline_1.24.2007.html  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 the grants include speech therapy, physical therapy, and psychotherapy 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 UHCCF 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.

To Apply - Criteria

Each application will be reviewed using the following guidelines:

• Any child, 16 years old or younger living in any United Healthcare region of the United States in need of financial assistance for health care services will be considered eligible for a grant. The applicant must be covered by a commercial health insurance policy and limits for the requested service are either exceeded, or no coverage is available and/or the copayments are a serious financial burden on the family. Health insurance sponsored by the Federal government (e.g. Medicaid, etc.) does not qualify as a commercial health insurance company.
• In evaluating applications, the Regional Board of Directors will consider, but not be limited to, criteria such as the potential of the intervention to significantly enhance either the clinical condition or the quality of life for the child, the financial status of the family and the severity of the child's illness.
• Financial need of the child's family should be documented through information provided on the application and by submission of a copy of the most recently filed tax return. Generally, awards will be granted to individuals in families whose adjusted gross income per individual does not exceed $20,000. (Read our updated frequently asked
  questions. http://www.uhccf.org/faqs.html )
• Other financial resources to meet the health care need are not available.
• The amount awarded to an individual within a 12-month period is limited to either $5,000 or 85% of the fund balance, whichever amount is less. Awards to any one individual are limited to a lifetime maximum of $7,500.
  6.An application must be submitted prior to the child's 17th birthday.
• The health care professional is to be paid directly whenever possible; exceptions can be made to reimburse the family if adequate documentation is submitted showing the health care professional has been paid.
• Applications are to be reviewed by a health care professional appointed by the Foundation to determine the medical appropriateness of the treatment.
• An application must be submitted to the Foundation prior to the receipt of services.
  

Susan Ruff
Director
ECDC, Mid-South Region

edited: 08/19/2008