Grants available for families in need of financial assistance to pay for their child’s health care treatments

UnitedHealthcare Children’s FoundationMar 12 2010

The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered by their commercial health insurance plans.

“I'll never forget the day the grant acceptance letter arrived”

Qualifying families could receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical and occupational therapy, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. Grants are also provided in cases where insurance may cover only a portion of the expenses.

“The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is dedicated to facilitating greater access to medical-related services that can help improve children’s health and quality of life,” said UHCCF President Matt Peterson. “We recognize some families experience gaps in coverage for certain medical treatments and equipment, and we are committed to helping fill this void. Since expanding our grant program nationwide in 2007, we have provided more than 1,500 grants to families in need of financial assistance.”

Last year, UHCCF awarded grants to more than 450 families for treatments associated with medical conditions such as speech and developmental delays, hearing loss, autism, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

"I'll never forget the day the grant acceptance letter arrived,” said Jessica Melville, whose daughter required therapy as a result of Down syndrome. “We are very thankful to the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation for the grant. It is a huge relief to know that my daughter is getting the therapy she needs, and the bills are not overshadowing it all."

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Parents and legal guardians may apply for grants online at www.uhccf.org.

The Web site includes additional grant application criteria, video clips, stories about recently helped children, and a new “live chat” feature that enables visitors to speak directly with a UHCCF representative. Visitors can also make tax-deductible donations directly online.