My son is 20 months and has been diagnosed with a severe speech delay. He has been evaluated by Children's Hospital and they said that he will need speech therapy along with possible Occupation Therapy because he is so far behind. In 6 months they are going to do testing for either asperger's syndrome or autism. The problem is that our insurance denied us do to him not meeting their qualifications and we applied to a program called the Scottish Rights program, but got told we would probably be denied that also due to my husband's income. Does anybody know of any other programs that help take care of the therapy financially? I'm stressed out with this and feel that my son needs the treatment.
So I took my son to ChildFind (Early Childhood Connections)and I'm not sure what he specifically got diagnosed with, but he failed all tests except his gross and fine motor skills. We are now working on getting therapy from Childfind and need outside therapy as well. The problem I'm now facing is a therapist or MD that will take united healthcare. I have gotten told that finding a doctor that diagnoses a person with autism and having insurance cover it is rare. Can someone help me in the right direction? I have called several places. Oh, and Children's hospital has a wait list till Jan of 2009. Thanks again for your help!
There are also early intervention services for special needs children (I have two who are Autistic - my youngest just turned three). http://www.tre.org/ Here is a website if you are in this area. Also, our son was denied speech and was told they would cover it if he had an IEP. My daughter had an IEP when she was two. Let me know if I can help further. Battling the insurance company almost becomes a full time job.
I looked at your profile as saw that you are in Colorado. I hope this helps:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/hcp/
Hello, K.; I'm not sure how helpful I am, but I have a special needs daughter with Down syndrome who is 22 months old, but developmentally 12, and I understand your frustration on finding financial help. I'm a single mom with low income and still can't find any. However, in our area the university has a program called Up to 3, for children under age 3, which is free. The have also provided her with a walker, signing videos and classes, and other things we need. She gets physical therapy, speech therapy, sign language classes, all kinds of help... even a family therapist if needed or wanted to come in and help with the stressors and strains it puts on a family. I found out about this program I believe thru the hospital...or maybe they found me I can't remember. I don't know if you have a local university or something similar with such programs, but maybe ask your pediatrician. My pediatrician is very helpful in this area, asked if we are involved in Up to 3 and IHC's programs for disabled children. Good luck in finding help. I know how frustrating it can be. J.
K., Have the hospital appeal the denial. He should qualify and I think your insurance just denies everything the first time if it is going to be expensive.
Good Luck and if you get denied again, appeal again.
M. b.
K.,
Call the Id Dept of Health and Welfare ASAP. They do free speech therapy regardless of how high or low your income until age 24 months (I am not sure on the age). Then, apply for a Medicaid card through Health and Welfare. You don't have to be really low income to get one if your child is developmentally delayed. Once you have got your Medicaid card, get a Service Coordinator (free through Medicaid) and they can set you up with a Medicaid speech therapist and developmental therapy for your child. I recommend A&R Case Management in Nampa: ###-###-####. They are awesome. Call them once you have your Medicaid card.
I know all this because I have done this hundreds of times for kids. I used to be a service coordinator!
It will all be okay! Don't worry about your finances anymore!
Marci
The Katie Beckett program may be able to help. Otherwise everyone has given you great resourses to start with.
K., I went through the same thing. My mom is a speech therapist through a school district, but unfortunately I live in a different state. She told me that you can contact the school district and have your child tested through their 'early intervention' program. If your child qualifies it is free in some states and in others fees are based on your income. Then when you're child is three they are able to get free services through the school district. At three years old my child was diagnosed with autism and in my state of Utah has some great autistic programs that are free, but you have to get on a waiting list. I was lucky and got her in within 6 months, but sometimes it can take up to two years...then they're not in preschool anymore. If that is something you think your child may have you can probably get yourself on a waiting list now and when your child meets the age requirements could get right in. It's something to look into. I also decided that I just needed to make more money so I could afford the therapy. Early intervention is so important. I found a home biz I love called xango and I actually work with the sister of the company's founders. I love it, the product is awesome and may benefit your sons health. Check out my mamasource website for info on it.
http://www.mamasource.com/business/7787468744074199041
As mothers we know we are the only advocate our children have. So do what you have to to get him help is my advice. These are just some things that I did and now my daughter is doing awesome. Good luck.
We're just getting into the system, but my understanding is that Children's has some help systems. It sounds like you probably don't qualify, but you might check into Medicaid. Some of their programs allow a family of 5 to bring in as much as 90,000 a year. I don't know what the restrictions are for 4. (If you're pregnant, you can count the baby.) You have to pay for the additional coverage in the upper tiers, but it's very affordable.
I have United Healthcare too - its a pain! My kids have immune deficiencies and I am in constant battle with the insurance company. I know how hard it is when you are fighting to get your child the care they need. You might try PSI - Patrient Services Incorporated. They might be able to help you. www.uneedpsi.org Good Luck!
Hi. I just joined tonite. I am a Speech Therapist. Not sure where you live (what county). Did anyone tell you about Denver Options (in Denver) or Developmental Pathways (HR, Cherry Creek, Arapahoe, areas)? They serve families with children up to 3. If a child is under 3, home therapy can be provided with federal dollars (although sometimes limited too). There is a new program 'Trust Fund' that some insurances are allowing therapy if an IFSP is made...you can get this done through Child Find offices too through your local school district. I know it is confusing. Please email me with any questions and I'll try to guide you with what I know. D. .....ok ...I just saw the other responses...looks like you are on track. Still, email with any questions. I can tell you it is hard to get an insurance contract as an 'in home' therapist. Good Luck.
See if your area has a Shriners program, that is where I had all of my oldest issues delt with, he also had a severe speech delay and a language/comprehension disoreder, your son might be a little young, mine was considered to young but was so delayed they took him on a trial bases just to see if he was capable of sitting still long enough. I am a little surprised that they are classifing him so young w/ a speech delay, also check into your local health and welfare they can have some good suggestions.
