Financial Matters - Insurance

1. I have two kids with asthma and no insurance. They need medical care and I don’t qualify for assistance because I make too much money - just over the poverty line!! What can I do?
INSURE KIDS NOW! is a national initiative linking the nation’s children to health insurance. Every state in the nation now has health insurance programs for infants, children, and teens (for little or no cost to the parent), paying for doctor visits, prescription medications, hospitalizations, and more.

Each state has different eligibility rules, but most set the parent’s income limit at $34,100 per year for a family of four. Toll-free call: 877-KIDS-NOW or go to www.insurekidsnow.gov.

2. My daughter needs a battery-operated nebulizer that can be used with or without electricity, yet my insurance company refuses to pay for it. What do we do?
Check your policy to see what types of nebulizers are covered and the amount of money they allot for such purchases. They may be willing to credit you for a portion of the nebulizer purchase price.

Ask your physician to write a prescription for a portable, battery-operated nebulizer and a letter to your health insurance company explaining why a portable unit is necessary. Parents of school-age children have won this battle, stating the portable nebulizer is needed during school hours because electricity is not available at the student’s desk. If a student has to make frequent trips to the school nurse for nebulizer treatments, she loses valuable class time.


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