special needs lifeline

Medicaid benefits:
Covers additional co-pays
Assists in payment for some equipments with primary medical insurance
Equipment: stander, bath system, carriage, wheelchair, etc.

Medicaid Waiver Program:
Diapers monthly free of charge
Afterschool program at no cost
Day programs
Check reimbursement for expenses ie: horseback riding therapy, adaptive equipment, durable goods
Respite child care services
When finances are low and Social Security income criteria is met,
SSI Social Security Income is available.

Special needs assistance: Here we will discuss basic well being, services available to your child, traditional western medical treatments that have worked for your children, and more. Please feel free to comment about what has worked for you, and what hasn’t. Moms helping Moms will be your greatest support.

Medicaid for special needs children: Once your child has been diagnosed, you should apply for Medicaid and Social Security benefits as quickly as possible. Some services will accept private insurance and payment, but if your child has been diagnosed with a lifelong disability Medicaid will provide the funding. Because the process can be lengthy, you should begin as soon as your child is diagnosed. Income eligibility is a requirement for Social Security, but not for Medicaid. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by the nature and severity of the disability.

Here is a link on the requirements for applying for Medicaid in NY:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/#apply

Each state offers different services and supports through their Medicaid programs – from medical supplies to in home supports and respite. These are a few of the services available:

In NY:
Medical Assistance
Adaptive Equipment
In Home Supports
Assitance with Daily Living Skills
Family Caregiver Supports

Resources for Children and Young Adults with Special Needs:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/

Respite — A time of rest or relief for the caregiver. A trained person provides companionship and supervision for a person who needs extra help, allowing the caregiver time to take care of themselves.

For More Information Contact the Care At Home Coordinator at the nearest Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO).
The number can be found in the blue pages in the telephone directory under: New York State Government, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. You can also go to the OMRDD web page at www.omr.state.ny.us to find your local DDSO. Click on “Information for Individuals and Families” and then go to the link for the DDSOs.

Description
The Medicaid-financed Care at Home Program provides community-based services to help physically disabled children who might otherwise qualify for hospital or nursing home placement to live with their families instead. All Medicaid and additional services, such as case management, respite, home adaptations, and vehicle modification, are available to assist a family in caring for their child.

For More Information
Call your county Department of Social Services’ Care At Home coordinator. Applications are available at county DSS offices. To obtain the phone number of your county Department of Social Services, call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006 or go to the New York State Department of Health webpage at www.nyhealth.gov/healthcare/medicaid/ldss.htm

EarlyIntervention:
Eligibility and Services : Early Intervention : NYC DOHMH

Who is Eligible?Infants and toddlers from birth through age two,who live in New York City and who have a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay, or who are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability are entitled to a developmental screening or a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for additional early intervention services. Delays may be in one or more of the following areas of development: cognitive, physical, communication, social/emotional, and/or adaptive. Children at risk of a disability are eligible for initial screening, and will receive periodic screenings through the New York City Infant Child Health Assessment Program.