Contrary to what many people believe, individuals with disabilities do not automatically qualify for monetary benefits and/or Medicaid (no cost medical coverage). We are a family of five with one income earner, and believe me when I tell you that our monthly income is just enough to cover our expenses. Our child is one hundred percent dependent on others for care and mobility, and yet, she does not qualify to receive medical care through Medicaid or any monetary benefits at all. Thankfully we do have private insurance, which we pay for (over $500 monthly, in Florida). Our insurance does carry very expensive deductibles for assistive technology and basically all the equipment that is absolutely necessary for my daughter. For example, I was quoted $950 (out of pocket) for orthotics (AFO's) that she absolutely needs. We were not able to cover that cost at the time, which is why I began to research and look for help. This is when I found Shriner's Children's Hospital. I am sure you have heard about them on TV. They help kids like mine get what they need at no cost to us. Unfortunately, they are located four hours away, but the trip was definitely worth it for us. Through Shriner's, we have been able to obtain a wheelchair and orthotics, that my daughter desperately needed. We were not charged a penny for these items, thanks to donations from various organization and even regular people like ourselves! The service at Shriner's is really great! The physical rehabilitation doctor was the best we have ever seen. He was very knowledgeable in the diagnosis of cerebral palsy and was very much pro SDR, which is always great (if you are a parent of a child with CP, you know what I mean).
At Shriner's Children's Hospital, Tampa, we were able to do in just one day, what usually takes months in South Florida (at Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital) and the best part: we did not have to pay anything at all. Sophie was able to be seen by the Orthopedic and physical rehab doctor, and get the equipment necessary. The Physical rehab doctor even understands our insurance situation and worked out a plan with us to come visit every other month to have Sophie evaluated for Physical therapy and see her improvements. We have been on a hiatus from private therapy due to lack of insurance coverage, so the physical therapist at Shriner's will make a plan that we can follow at home and then revisit every other month.
I highly recommend visiting and donating to Shriner's Children's Hospital. They have been a life saver for our family.
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