New with insurance question

[Brodysmom]

Hi-
My 7 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 on 1/9/08. We are slowly getting used to all the changes that comes with this. He's been a real trooper though. My question to everyone is what do you do about insurance? Our insurance coverage is terrible. Alone, we are going to be paying over $200 a month just for his supplies and insulin. We also have to pay 20% out of pocket for dr visits, labwork, and any possible hospitalizations. We don't qualify for the state insurance program for kids because we do have insurance (terrible as it is). Do any of you know of any programs or anything that assist kids in this situation? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

Hi fellow CT'er.
Welcome, sorry about the diagnosis.
The first place I'd ask is my endo's office. They may know of forms of assistance specific to kids with D. Also they may have advice on how to bill insurance to get max coverage.
Wish I knew of something more specific. :cwds:

[Mama2H]

Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may be able to use A+ medical supply. They do not charge you your copays http://aplusmedicalsupply.com We have used them for over a year and have been VERY happy with them.

[suzyq63]

My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed the same day as your son. United Healthcare Children's Foundation gives grant money for children who have health insurance but still need financial assistance. There are financial guidelines they use - $20,000 per person in the house. So if you are a family of 4, you could make up to $80,000 and still be eligible.

I did an online application and just sent out the necessary documentation today. We have insurance, but the monthly copays for all the diabetic supplies still add up to about $200 per month. That's all I know for now until I hear back from them. But it's probably worth looking into.

Paula

[Charmed7]

There are a bunch of suggestions in this post:

http://forums.childrenwithdiabetes.com/showthread.php?t=10857


If you need any help, just let me know. (From CT too)

Charmed

[mom2kenny]

when you say state ins, do you mean medicaid? most states also have a program for children with chronic illnesses. in indiana it is called cshcs. (childrens special healthcare services) Check with your local wefare office, the endo, or go to www.(your state).gov it may be listed there. I know the income guidelines are much higher than state medicaid. Close to 50,000 for a family of 4.

[jendean]

to alleviate costs some states will let you buy supplemental insurance from the state (so your copays are paid) at no more than 20 bucks a month. Each state has a program.
Good luck :)

[suzyq63]

I didn't even notice that you're from CT; I'm in northeastern CT.

Here is the website for United Healthcare Children's Foundation:

www.unitedhealthcarechildrensfoundation.org

Also, CT has some assistance available through Children with Special Health Care Needs. There are income limits and I don't know how much help they can give; but I sent my application to them also. The website is:

www.dph.state.ct.us/bch/Family%20Health/cyshcn/cyshcn-medical%20home%20site.htm

That's the website they had in their letter to me. There was also a telephone number: 860-513-0172. Hope this helps.

Paula

[Brodysmom]

Thanks to everybody that replied! I really appreciate the help!

[Charmed7]

I found the Husky programs number for CT. They can offer free/cheap insurance. So you might be able to get your son enrolled for a smaller premium then what you have. It's worth giving them a call.


1-877-487-5901

Good luck.

Charmed