As child life specialists we work closely with families facing some of the biggest obstacles in their lives. We provide emotional support with a therapeutic outlet and teach coping strategies. But oftentimes we witness families juggling the additional stress of paying medical bills. They are already so overwhelmed emotionally, that providing them with a resource for financial assistance could help tremendously.
I was pleased to learn about the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation at the Association for Child Life Professionals Conference and wanted to share their amazing program with you.
Guest Blogger, Elaine Elliott
The mission of the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is to significantly enhance the clinical condition or quality of life of children covered under a commercial health insurance plan and are 16 years old or younger living in the United States. UHCCF provides medical grants to help children gain access to health-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their family’s commercial health insurance plan.
Families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child), and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible.
UHCCF was founded in 1999. Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded 13,000 grants valued at $35M to children and their families across the United States. UHCCF’s funding is provided by contributions from individuals, corporations and UnitedHealth Group employees.
The Foundation embraces and supports the concept of facilitating access to health-related services that have the potential to significantly enhance either the clinical condition or the quality of life of the child and that are not fully covered by the available commercial health insurance plan. The Foundation provides financial assistance toward the family’s share of the cost of medical services. 
Peyton was diagnosed with torticollis, a condition that causes a flat head. If left untreated, it can cause a lifelong deformity resulting in neck pain and balance issues. Peyton’s doctor prescribed an orthotic molding helmet, which she wore 23 hours each day for five months. The UHCCF grant assisted with the expense of the costly helmet and Peyton, now 13 months old, has “graduated” and no longer needs the helmet.
“Peyton now has the closest thing to a perfectly round, kissable head,” said Peyton’s mom, Courtney. “We feel blessed to have come across UHCCF and are proud and excited to spread the word everywhere we go. When Peyton is old enough to truly feel gratitude, she will know about UHCCF.”
Learn more at www.uhccf.org and follow us on Facebook and YouTube Read more about UHCCF’s news and meet our inspiring grant recipient children.
