Utah State Resources

UTAH STATE RESOURCES

Getting Started with Government Assistance

When a child is newly diagnosed with cerebral palsy, parents begin planning for their child’s future care. Likely the child will require additional treatment, therapies, adaptive equipment and in some cases medications and surgery. Homes and automobiles may soon require modifications. The child will require accessibility and inclusion in education, community centers, recreational opportunities, play, and more.

The government recognizes the additional financial burden a family may face while caring for a child with special needs. There are government assistance programs that have been created to help.

The following resources are provided as basic government assistance programs most families with a child with cerebral palsy may benefit by. The list, however, is not all-inclusive or all-encompassing. The good news is there is plenty of assistance available depending largely upon a myriad of factors, like income level, insurance enrollment, state program availability and qualifications, and severity of impairment. Every child’s situation is unique. The challenge is to connect with available resources.

Some resources are government based, while others are provided by non-government organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations or simply by product and service providers. Over the years, MyChild™ has formed a powerful network of resources to tap into to help families find the support they need and their child deserves.

MyChild™ specializes in connecting individuals with information, resources, experts and inspiration uniquely tailored to a child’s individual circumstance. The more we know about your child’s condition, the more we are able to compile an individual resource guide to help you manage your child’s needs.

Following are basic resources provided in the state in which you reside, but we have more waiting when you are ready!

Call MyChild™ today at (800)MyChild or (800)692-4453 for a customized resource guide tailored to meet your specific needs and circumstances.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federally funded, state run program providing medical assistance to low-income individuals and families. Each state manages its own Medicaid program through determination of specific eligibility factors, standards and services. Eligibility requirements and restrictions, as well as the scope of Medicaid-funded services, vary from state to state. Generally, most programs help pay for doctor visits, dental work, vision care, immunizations, hospitalizations, special health care needs, screenings, treatment, and emergencies. Although income level is a primary qualification, other qualifying factors may include age, citizenship, family status, and the existence of certain other medical conditions.

Other relevant services to children with cerebral palsy may include Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) program, which provides comprehensive coverage for children. EPSDT provides access to evaluations, required treatment, and medical care to eligible children with special health care needs.

Federal guidelines also require all states to offer home health services as part of Medicaid. These services may include nursing and home health aide assistance, medical supplies and equipment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and audiology services. Other potential Medicaid services that promote health and development may include personal care assistance or attendant care. Assistants may help individuals with activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, etc.), shopping, and everyday tasks in the community.

National Medicaid Resources

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
Program Information:
Medicaid Program Information
Medicaid Waiver List

State Medicaid Resources

Utah Medicaid
Utah Department of Health
Cannon Health Building
288 North 1460 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801)538-6003
Mailing Addresss:
P.O. Box 141010
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1010
Contact Information:
(877)KID-SNOW or (877)543-7669
Program Information:
Medicaid Program Information
Medicaid Program Application

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health care benefit program that provides public medical assistance to people age 65 and older, those under 65 with certain disabilities, and individuals who have End State Renal Disease (ESRD). Health care regulations and public benefits are constantly evolving.

Although the Federal Government manages Medicare, the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services help implement any health care reform provisions of legislation. Depending on certain eligibility factors and plan choices, potential benefits may include financial assistance for medical professionals and services, medications, and private health plans. Local Social Security Administration offices can help determine program eligibility.

National Medicare Resources

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
Contact:
(800)MEDICARE or (800)633-4227 or TTY (877)486-2048
Program Information:
National Medicare Program Information
Medicare Program Information
MyMedicare – Access to Your Personal Medicare Information
Medicare Helpful Contacts Page
Online Medicare Application

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplementary Security Income (SSI) is one of the largest Federal benefit programs providing cash to eligible low-income children and adults who are blind or disabled. The program also assists low-income individuals over the age of 65.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the SSI program and determines eligibility factors, such as specific medical conditions and rules for receiving Social Security Income benefits. Individuals who qualify for SSI may also qualify for other types of help from local and state government-sponsored programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare benefits, weatherization programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and food stamps. Social Security representatives at local Social Security offices provide SSI information, assistance with the application process, and help determine eligibility.

National SSI Resource

Social Security, Disability Issues, or Supplemental Security Income
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
Contact:
(800)772-1213
Program Information:
Program Information
Online Disability Benefit Application

Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a low-cost health insurance option for uninsured children whose working parents have a combined income too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private insurance. by providing access to high quality healthcare and medical services, this combined federal and state program helps many children with special health care needs reach their full potential.

Every state and some designated territories offer CHIP, although each qualifies and manages its programs under slightly differing guidelines. The CHIP program’s name, along with eligibility and income requirements, program restrictions, and service types vary from state-to-state. Under CHIP, an eligible child with cerebral palsy may receive assistance with:

• preventive care
• routine check-ups
• doctor visits
• immunizations
• hospitalizations
• dental care
• laboratory
• x-ray services
• emergencies
• other medically necessary assistance

Some states manage CHIP as an independent program completely separate from Medicaid. Other states merge the administration of CHIP and Medicaid through expansion or combination programs. Insure Kids Now provides access to information for each state’s CHIP and Medicaid program. State Medicaid and Social Security offices also have information on how to apply.

National CHIP Resources

Children’s Health Insurance Program
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
Program Information:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – CHIP Information
National CHIP Website

State CHIP Resources

Utah CHIP Program (SCHIP)
Contact:
(877)543-7669
Program Information:
SCHIP Program Information
SCHIP Program Application

Women, Infant and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)

The Women, Infant and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides nutrition assistance and healthcare to women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum. They also extend services to infants and children up to age 5. WIC recipients receive nutritional guidance, funding for specific nutrient-rich foods, healthcare referrals, social services referrals, and breastfeeding support.

Individuals who qualify for the program must meet certain income guidelines and a health professional must determine if “nutrition risk” exists. Factors determined at free health screenings may include anemia, weight, pregnancy complications, and other dietary risks. Individuals may automatically qualify for WIC if they are already enrolled in other benefit programs, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The WIC program and available assistance varies state-by-state. Some states may provide eligible individuals with vouchers, debit cards, food packages, or home food delivery. State WIC agencies assist with general information, eligibility factors, and the application process.

National WIC Resources

United States Department of Agriculture
Food and Nutrition Service – WIC Program
Program Information:
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program Information

State WIC Resources

Utah Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman WIC Program
Division of Family Health Services
Utah State Department of Health
P.O. Box 141013
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1013
(801)538-6199
Contact:
(877)WIC-KIDS or (877)942-5437
Program Information:
State WIC Program Information

Energy Assistance – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Government-funded energy assistance programs improve health and safety in the homes of eligible children with cerebral palsy. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provide eligible households with utility payment assistance and energy-related home repairs. Each energy assistance program is managed by its local state agencies.

Types of aid may include assistance with utility payments, funding to help avoid shut-off or termination of utility services, and help to make homes safer and more energy efficient. Depending on available funding, weatherization service providers may examine electrical and heating/cooling systems, provide appliance analysis, insulate homes, repair windows or doors, apply weather stripping, fix furnaces and air conditioners, and perform other home safety checks.

Although local agencies determine eligibility and services, income is the primary qualification. Individuals already receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may in some cases qualify for weatherization programs automatically.

State Low-Income High Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Resources

Utah Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Division of Housing & Community Development
Utah Department of Community & Culture
324 South State, Suite 500
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(801) 538-8756
Public Inquiries:
(877)488-3233
Program Information:
LIHEAP Program Information

State Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Resources

Call (800)MyChild or (800)692-4453 for more information.