In Search of Funding
by Bill Dupes, ACA Information Specialist
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In Search of Fundingby Bill Dupes, ACA Information Specialist |
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It is easy to become frustrated as these individuals seek access to assistive technology, financial aid for their education, home, school and office modifications, adaptive driving equipment, and funding for a variety of needs. Fortunately, funding is available for those who qualify and who know how to find it. Following is a basic overview of the types of assistance that amputees might be able to obtain.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: (Birth-18) Acceptance for treatment is based solely on a patient’s eligibility for an ongoing clinical trial. Telephone: 1-866/2STJUDE, Web site: www2.stjude.org/contact_us Medicaid: Individuals get Medicaid services automatically if they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). If they’re ineligible for either of these programs, however, they might still qualify for Medicaid. Telephone: 1-877/267-2323; Web site: www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/stateplans/map.asp Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment (EPSDT): (Birth-21) This Medicaid program provides a wide range of healthcare coverage to low-income children. Telephone: 1-410/786-5916, Web site: www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/epsdt/default.asp Blue Cross Blue Shield: Some Blue Cross Blue Shield companies have established "Caring for Children Foundations" that provide free or low-cost coverage to children who are not insurable through Medicaid or private insurance. Services and eligibility requirements vary. Web site: www.bcbs.com Variety Clubs International: (Birth-21) The organization’s purpose is to improve the quality of life of children who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged by social circumstances. Telephone: 1-888/852-1300, Web site: www.usvariety.org Lions Clubs International: Lions clubs provide a variety of services, including senior citizen programs and medical care for those in need. Telephone: 1-630/571-5466, Web site: http://membership.lionsclubs.org Rotary International: (Birth-21) This worldwide organization of business leaders provides humanitarian service through more than 30,000 Rotary Clubs. Telephone: 1-847/866-3000, Web site: www.rotary.org/services/clubs/index.html The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: (Birth-21) Services and opportunities vary from one community to another and include summer camps, educational grants and scholarships, healthcare, and home modification assistance. Telephone: 1-773/755-4700, Web site: www.elks.org/lodges/default.cfm Shriners: (Birth-21) All children under 18 are eligible for prostheses. If a child has insurance, the insurance is billed first and Shriners pays the rest. If there is no insurance, Shriners pays the entire bill, including travel expenses. They will even transport patients to their facility by van or plane. Telephone: 1-800/237-5055, Web site: www.shrinershq.org/hospit.html Transportation Resources
National Patient Air Transport Helpline AirLifeLine Angel Flights Nonprofit Organizations The following organizations help those who can’t afford assistive technology or related services and have exhausted the usual funding methods. Amputee Resource Foundation of America Barr/United Amputee Assistance Fund Limbs for Life Foundation New Beginnings Prosthetic Ministries Prosthetics for Diabetics Foundation Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): Individuals who are unemployed and don’t have Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance should check with their state VR office to see what funding programs are available. VR may pay for assistive technology or offer other services, including counseling, referrals to other funding sources, independent living training, or advocacy. Many states also provide the equivalent of VR for children. Anyone applying for funds, however, is expected to demonstrate that the service or assistive technology will enhance their employability. If employment isn’t an option, they must show that it will enable them to function independently. Telephone: 1-800/772-1213, Web site: www.ssa.gov/work/ServiceProviders/rehabproviders.html Technical Assistance Project (TAP): TAP is funded to help reduce barriers and increase access to assistive technology and services. Telephone: 1-703/524-6686, Web site: www.resna.org/taproject/at/statecontacts.html Special Education: (Ages 3-21) School systems may provide a range of assistive technology and services. A child must receive any assistive technology or services needed to transport him or her to school. In addition, training may also be provided to parents if it will benefit their children who receive special education services. Telephone: 1-202/205-5507, Web site: www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP/Monitoring/state_contact_list.html Student Aid Resources
Higher Education and Adult Training for People with Handicaps International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet FinAid American Association of People with Disabilities Organizations for Disabled Athletes
National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD): The NSCD offers scholarships twice a year, winter and summer. Telephone: 1-303/293-5711, Web site: www.nscd.org/recreation/scholarships.html Home Modification Resources
Fair Housing Act (FHA): The FHA requires landlords to allow renters to make their residence accessible. Though renters must agree to return the interior of the residence to its original condition when they leave, they don’t have to remove exterior modifications such as ramps. Telephone: 1-800/569-4287, Web site: www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/index.cfm Departments of Energy/Health and Human Services: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program provide funds to weatherize the homes of lower income individuals. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Community Development: Many cities and towns use CD Block Grants to help low-income citizens upgrade their homes. Telephone: 1-202/708-1112, Web site: www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/contacts/index.cfm Social Security Administration (SSA): Under the SSA’s work incentive programs, the amount individuals pay for home modifications is deducted from their earned income, allowing them to receive the applicable amount of benefits. They must prove, however, that these modifications will enable them to go to work. Telephone: 1-800/772-1213 or consult the SSA Web site for: Impairment-Related Work Expense Program Plan for Achieving Self-Support Program Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity may provide volunteer labor to construct a ramp if materials are provided. Telephone: 1-229/924-6935, ext. 2552, Web site: www.habitat.org/local Independent Living: Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are nonresidential, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy for all people with disabilities. Their purpose is to help individuals achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities. Telephone: 1-703/525-3406, Web site: www.virtualcil.net/cils Veterans Administration (VA): The VA offers income, medical, educational and vocational rehabilitation assistance to qualified veterans. Veterans with certain mobility impairments can also receive funds for home modifications. The VA may also help them buy, adapt or repair a vehicle. Telephone: 1-800/827-1000, Web site: www.va.gov Vehicle Modification Resources
Manufacturer rebates Used model Sales tax exemption Tax deductions Long-term vs. short-term financing The following organizations can provide additional information or help buyers locate companies that adhere to industry standards. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) Adaptive Driving Alliance Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists Senior Assistance
Medicare: (Ages 65+) Medicare is a health insurance program for people who receive Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. Most people don’t have to apply for Medicare benefits; SSA notifies them when they become eligible. Medicare provides two kinds of coverage. Part A covers inpatient hospital services, nursing facility and home health services, and hospice care. Part B is medical insurance. Individuals pay premiums through an automatic deduction from their SSA check or they get a quarterly bill. Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME), ambulance or doctor’s fees, and rehabilitation services. Both Part A and Part B services cover assistive technology. If a person is also eligible for Medicaid, it will cover some or all of the costs not covered by Medicare. Telephone: 1-800/633-4227, Web site: www.medicare.gov/Contacts/Home.asp L-Codes The prosthetic industry now has a system for insurance reimbursement called "L-codes." This is a unique billing add-on system in which a base code identifies the basic approach taken. Add-on codes describing options in components and other technology combine with the base code to fully describe the prescribed equipment or services and what is covered by Medicare. (See pages 43-44 for more information.) Special Purchasing Assistance and Techniques
POWERx Medical Benefits Network HealthCove Care Entrée Pharmacy Assistance Programs: Thirty-four states have established or authorized some type of program to provide pharmaceutical coverage or assistance to low-income elderly or disabled individuals who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Telephone: 1-800/633-4227, Web site: www.medicare.gov/Prescription/Home.asp Patient Assistance Programs: These programs are offered by many drug manufacturers to help those who can’t afford their medicines obtain them at no cost or low cost. Individuals may call or write the companies to determine if their medication is covered and request the necessary information and paperwork. If a medication isn’t covered, there may be an alternative drug available that might qualify. After the paperwork is submitted and approved, the company will ship the medication to the individual through his or her physician. A list of participating companies may be found at www.seniorliving.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://needymeds.com Making Payments If asked, prosthetists will occasionally make special payment arrangements for those who simply can’t pay for prostheses in any other way. "One Step at a Time" A common misconception is that if there is a problem with a prosthesis, getting a new one is the only way to go, since insurers often won’t cover repairs. If possible, however, individuals can save their money and get one thing done at a time, repairing or replacing components as needed. Used Equipment Individuals seeking used DME may advertise in support group newsletters for the components they need, asking readers with unused parts to donate or sell them. A local prosthetist might be willing to install them at low or no cost. Although liability issues can complicate this, individuals can make a "hold-harmless" agreement with those willing to help. They should, however, discuss this with their attorney first. Several organizations, such as Easter Seals and TAP, accept donated equipment to loan or sell at discount prices. Others serve as a "classifieds" forum where individuals can buy, trade and sell their equipment. Easter Seals Disabled Dealer Magazine Worldwide Wheelchairs and Used Medical Equipment Advocacy
Patient Advocate Foundation National Patient Advocate Foundation Center for Patient Advocacy American Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Services National ADA Attorney List |
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© Amputee Coalition of America. Local reproduction for use by ACA constituents is permitted as long as this copyright information is included. Organizations or individuals wishing to reprint this article in other publications, including other World Wide Web sites must contact the Amputee Coalition of America for permission to do so. |
With the constant development of new technology, more and more options exist to enable people with disabilities to work, achieve higher levels of education, and live independently.
Child Assistance
Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
How accessible a home is depends on the nature of the individual’s disability. Without the appropriate assistive technology, people with disabilities can feel as if they are trapped in their own home. The solution might be as simple as adding grab bars and a tub seat in the bathroom, or, for wheelchair users, adding ramps, widening doors, and lowering counters. Fortunately, assistance is available.
Medical Discount Programs: Companies that offer medical discount programs negotiate with healthcare providers for discounts on medical goods and services. While such companies stress that they are not a replacement for health insurance, individuals with a pre-existing condition or those who cannot afford insurance coverage may find these programs an option worth investigating. Even if a person has insurance, these programs may provide savings on services not covered by insurance. Examples of medical discount programs currently available are:
Sometimes, no matter how hard individuals try, or how well they prepare, it may take a third party to overcome obstacles that block the way to the assistance they need. Advocate organizations serve as mediators between them and their insurer, employer or creditors to resolve insurance, employment or financial problems related to their medical condition. The following organizations or directories may be able to help: