When a child is going through ongoing medical treatment, mounting bills only add to the stress for family members. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can add up fast.
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation offers grants, up to $5,000 each with a lifetime maximum of $10,000, that can go toward a child's medical costs. The money can be used for treatments, services or equipment not covered or only partially covered by commercial health insurance plans.
"I had never heard of such a thing being available for people," Melissa Johnston said. She applied and was awarded more than $2,000 to help with her daughter Brenna's medical expenses.
It took four surgeries to remove a cyst in Brenna's inner-ear that was causing hearing loss.
"We have five children and we have a lot going on, and a lot of moving parts and things like that, so this was a huge help to just, kind of, shoulder some of that burden," Johnston said.
To qualify for a grant:
- A child must be 16 years old or younger
- Families must meet certain economic guidelines and live in the United States
- Must already have a commercial health insurance plan
- Do not have to be insured by UnitedHealthcare
Parents and legal guardians can apply here. There is no deadline to apply.
