Spring 1999 Newsletter: Help During Difficult Times

Help During Difficult Times

by Staci Thrasher, LGSW

Cystic Fibrosis can be a struggle for patients and their families medically, emotionally, and financially. There are many costs associated with CF care. If you have good insurance coverage these costs may not affect you; however, some things are not covered by insurance. For example, insurance does not cover the vitamins that people with CF have to take daily. Below are some resources that may be helpful with CF related expenses:

1. If you are below the age of 21, CRS can help with many expenses. See the article by Joanna Abens for more information.

2. Medications -

Many pharmaceutical companies have assistance programs to help with the cost of medications. Each company has a different application process and usually requires some information from the physician. If you live in Jefferson County, you may be eligible for the county assistance program which helps with the costs of medications. You can apply for this assistance through Children's Hospital Financial Counseling Department

3. Clinic Visits and Hospitalizations -

Most insurance companies cover clinic visits and hospitalizations. Adults over the age of 21 who have Medicaid are allowed 14 clinic visits and 16 hospital days each year. Since many adults go over this limit, they are held responsible for the remainder of their bill. If you live in Jefferson County, the county program can help with clinic visits and hospitalizations if you don't have insurance. If you live outside of Jefferson County, the hospital's financial counseling department can assist you with making arrangements for a payment plan to the hospital. You may also be eligible for assistance through the hospital's billing department

4. Transportation -

Traveling back and forth to clinic visits and hospitalizations can be very expensive. There are several forms of assistance available to help with this cost. CRS is a good resource for people under the age of 21. Medicaid also has a program called Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) Assistance. If you are having a difficult time with the cost of transportation and are insured by Medicaid they will issue a voucher to help with this cost. There may be other agencies in your community that can provide assistance with transportation. You may want to contact your county Department of Human Resources (DHR) to inquire about such agencies.

5. Other assistance for medical / disability related expenses or needs:

Individual and Family Support Council - This is a community based regional program that can provide assistance on many different levels. This requires the completion of an application.

6. General Financial Assistance -

Many times families may find themselves in situations where they need financial assistance with things not directly related to CF such as utility bills, rent, food, etc. There are several agencies in the community that can sometimes help with these things such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. Again, you can contact your local DHR to inquire about local resource options.

If you need any assistance with any of the above, please contact me and I will be happy to explore your options. If you know of available assistance that would benefit others, please let me know. I can be reached by telephone at (205)939-5494 or by e-mail at staci.thrasher@chsys.org.

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