Good Cents

Resources to help families with the cost of meeting their special needs

Programs are available to help with these expenses. Some have rules about family income levels, while others are specifically for children with special health care needs and have no family income guidelines. Consider applying if you think your family and child could benefit.

There are family support agencies  around the state that can help you with information and application for these funding programs. When your child needs extra health, behavioral, or physical help, the cost for the services can create family stress.

Legal Services

The Disability Law Center provides free legal services for the protection and advocacy of individuals who experience disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities may contact the center on behalf of their child if they have a disability-related concern, such as special education or public access.

There is no fee for this service.

Disability Law Center of Alaska (All numbers are Voice and TDD):

Anchorage 565-1002  Fairbanks 456-1070

Juneau 586-1627  Bethel 543-3357 or Toll free 1-800-478-1234

Denali KidCare

Denali Kid Care is a state Medicaid program that provides health insurance benefits for children through age 18 and pregnant women who meet the guidelines. It's easy to apply, and child's eligibility is based on his or her parent's income. You may combine this coverage with other health insurance, as defined by Denali Kid Care.

Anchorage 269-6529 or Toll free 1-888-318-8890

Medicaid

This coverage includes well-child care such as dental, hearing and vision, as well as diagnosis, referrals and treatment by medical specialists or care providers. Be sure that you don't overlook the regular exams and care even when you are managing the more intensive health needs of your child. Medicaid pays only after all other resources have been utilized. These benefits are provided to children through age 21.

Public Assistance Program Information Hotline:

Anchorage 269-5777 or Toll free 1-888-804-6330

Tax Equity & Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA)

You might think your child doesn't qualify for Medicaid, but only your child's income and resources are considered when you apply for TEFRA. Children who meet the eligibility criteria for the TEFRA Option qualify for Medicaid and all the services that any other child receiving Medicaid would receive. Medicaid covers many medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions, eyeglasses, wheelchairs, diapers for children over age three, therapies and medical supplies. The TEFRA Option is particularly helpful for families with high medical costs not covered by insurance.

For more information on TEFRA, contact Chadene Krome, toll-free at 1-877-803-7767

Division of Senior & Disabilities Services (DSDS)

This is a program of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. They assist Alaskans with mental and/or developmental disabilities in obtaining and paying for services and supports so they and their families can retain control of their lives. There are DSDS Regional Program Specialists throughout Alaska who can help you locate these services and supports.

DSDS: Anchorage 269-3600

Toll free 1-800-770-3930 TDD 269-3624

HCP-CSN

The Health Care Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs is a Public Health program that can pay for some medical care. Eligibility is based on the child's medical condition, family income, expenses, and family size. Coverage can start immediately if you qualify, but all services requested must be preauthorized.

Healthy Alaskans Information Line

Anchorage 562-3671  Toll free 1-800-478-2221

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

This program provides monthly income checks to children and adults who qualify under the Social Security Administration's definition of disability and family income limits.

Toll free 1-800-772-1213

Native Health Services

Children who qualify can receive services at the Alaska Native Children's Center located at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Even if medical services in your village or community are limited, you may not need to go out of state to obtain care and services for your child.

Native Health Services provide complete care, from well-child exams and dental care to sub-specialty clinics with pediatric specialists.

Anchorage: 729-1000

Al Aska Shriners

The Shriner's Hospitals, well known for their burn treatment, provide free care tochildren for numerous conditions. The closest hospital to Alaska is in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Shriner's Hospital has developed expertise in orthopedic conditions, cleft lip and palate repair, neuromuscular disorders and developmental needs. Clinics in Alaska, provided by the Shriner's Hospital, Portland Unit, are held three times a year at Columbia Alaska Regional Hospital.

For treatment applications or information, please call Al Aska Shrine Temple at 274-4344

Home & Community-Based Waivers

Medicaid Waivers use federal and state funds to pay for health care and family supports for people with certain health and/or developmental conditions. Waivers give states the option to design individual health care systems beyond those usually available through Medicaid. For more information, talk to your Family Resource Specialist or STAR Program about eligibility requirements or call the Division of Senior & Disabilities Services (DSDS).

DSDS: Anchorage 269-3600

Toll free 1-800-770-3930 or TDD 269-3624

Civic Groups

Civic groups often take on special projects in their community. Projects such as Elks HELP assist in finding appropriate assistive technology.

Call your Chamber of Commerce for a listing of civic groups that provide community service or funding opportunities.

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