By Lorilynn Wolf, Communications Director, Connecting for Kids
Raising a child with disabilities or concerns can bring amazing moments — and unexpected expenses. Therapies, specialized equipment, camps, adaptive programs and other supports can quickly stretch a family budget to its limit. If you are wondering how to pay for everything your child needs, follow these steps:
Step 1: Call your
insurance company
Many insurance plans cover a limited number of therapy visits when there is a qualifying diagnosis. Some plans may include complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) programs that cover therapies such as aquatic therapy. If your current plan does not provide the coverage your child needs, you can explore options, such as through the Affordable Care Act.
Step 2: Check if your child qualifies for the Complex Medical Help (CMH) Program
The CMH Program provides supplemental assistance to help families cover out-of-pocket costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of conditions classified as medical disabilities. You can learn more about CMH and begin the application process on the Ohio Department of Health website (odh.ohio.gov/home). Families with limited income may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a safety-net program that includes Medicaid coverage (ssa.gov/ssi).
Step 3: Talk with your
school district
Depending on your child’s age and disability status, you may be entitled to therapy and support services. For early intervention programs (birth through age 3), call Help Me Grow at 1-800-755-GROW(4769) or complete its online referral (visit helpmegrow.org). For ages 3 and up, contact your home school district.
Step 4: Explore county
or state resources
Depending on your family’s income and county of residence, you may qualify for assistance through county or state programs. Call your county’s board of developmental disabilities for information on waivers, family support programs and other services. State programs include Learning AID Ohio (learningaidohio.org).
Step 5: Apply for a scholarship
The state of Ohio offers the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship for students with disabilities who attend private school under an individualized education program (IEP), as well as the Autism Scholarship Program. These scholarships have rolling enrollment periods and require students to “opt out” of their home school district. For information about both scholarships, go to education.ohio.gov.
Step 6: Look into grants from nonprofits and charitable foundations
Nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations throughout the area offer grants to help families pay for services and supports. Eligibility requirements vary, so review each program carefully. To see a list of possible grant providers, visit connectingforkids.org/funding_therapy.
Step 7: Contact a lending
or public library
Lending libraries loan adaptive and medical equipment to families for short-term needs (for example, to assess whether an item is useful for your child). In addition to dedicated lending libraries, several public library systems offer adapted toys and other materials to local families.
Step 8: Consider fundraising
Many families turn to online fundraising platforms to help cover the cost of therapies, treatments and equipment not paid for by insurance. GoFundMe (gofundme.com) and FundRazr (fundrazr.com) are two of the most popular.
For more information on funding sources and links to the programs referenced in this article, visit connectingforkids.org/funding_therapy or call Connecting for Kids Ask Us! at 440-570-5908.