Disabled child and health care...
May 17th 2011, 3:19 pm
#31
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Disabled child and health care...
Aye, they laid a full timer off and got two part timers in a couple years ago I think, so they wouldn't have to provide benefits, but they've just laid them off and the full timer will be gone end of the year. It's pretty crazy.
May 17th 2011, 3:48 pm
#32
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Disabled child and health care...
I'm a little unclear on this, sorry if I haven't read it properly.
The husband is waiting for his green card to 'come up' but doesn't have a job in the US. How does that work?
The OP wants to get a teaching job, but if not happy with schools for her child, will home school? When?
We are getting personalized phone calls begging us for donations to keep teachers' jobs going here in California.
It all sounds like pie in the sky.
The husband is waiting for his green card to 'come up' but doesn't have a job in the US. How does that work?
The OP wants to get a teaching job, but if not happy with schools for her child, will home school? When?
We are getting personalized phone calls begging us for donations to keep teachers' jobs going here in California.
It all sounds like pie in the sky.
May 17th 2011, 4:37 pm
#33
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Disabled child and health care...
I know, and she won't answer.. I suspect the husband was petitioned by a sibling, or some other long category. Who knows how close to completion it is?
May 17th 2011, 4:56 pm
#34
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Disabled child and health care...
Providing benefits can easily double the cost of employing someone.
May 17th 2011, 6:07 pm
#35
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Avon Lake, OH
Posts: 5,270
Re: Disabled child and health care...
Don't confuse that with actual coverage. While it's true they can't deny a plan or exclude pre-existing conditions it doesn't mean that the policies offered will be affordable or include coverage for everything you need.
May 23rd 2011, 5:21 am
#36
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Re: Disabled child and health care...
Hi Valdosta,
As mentioned on here previously, my son was born in 2009 with a genetic condition, which affects all facets of his development. His biological age is two, but he is really only about a year old in terms of his development. He also has problems with his GI tract, feeding, immune system, scoliosis, seizures, and his heart. He's also the most fantastic kid I've ever met.
Yes, the toll financially can be pretty extreme. We've had bills through that total up to well over a million dollars so far, and there's just no way we could even begin to afford that, even on a payment plan. My husband is a USC and acquired a job with great health insurance just after we were married, but before I moved over here on a CR-1 visa. I was therefore on the plan for about a year before I needed it.
When Little O was born he was automatically a USC too (and a UKC, which is rather handy). He was therefore enrolled in my state's Birth to Three program from day one, which provides his occupational, speech, and physiotherapy. Our insurance covers about 80% of those costs. After a while we also heard about our state's Medicaid scheme for children with disabilities, and were granted coverage with that too. In Wisconsin it's called the Katie Beckett Program, and for us it covers all our out-of-pocket expenses that our insurance company doesn't (so that remaining 20%).
If my son hadn't been born a US citizen he still would receive care under our insurance company, but we would be responsible for the 20% remaining. And that would still bankrupt us! Medical costs are extreme for my son. Even therapy is about $150 a session, and he has up to four sessions a week.
You would have to look in to the specific programs available in your state, and do a lot of research before you go. Also, take your time over the school choices. Our part of Wisconsin has terrible special needs schools, and we're actually planning to move to Minnesota before Little O turns six, just to avoid the schools here. School districts can vary so much, in a very small space.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. Good luck!
As mentioned on here previously, my son was born in 2009 with a genetic condition, which affects all facets of his development. His biological age is two, but he is really only about a year old in terms of his development. He also has problems with his GI tract, feeding, immune system, scoliosis, seizures, and his heart. He's also the most fantastic kid I've ever met.
Yes, the toll financially can be pretty extreme. We've had bills through that total up to well over a million dollars so far, and there's just no way we could even begin to afford that, even on a payment plan. My husband is a USC and acquired a job with great health insurance just after we were married, but before I moved over here on a CR-1 visa. I was therefore on the plan for about a year before I needed it.
When Little O was born he was automatically a USC too (and a UKC, which is rather handy). He was therefore enrolled in my state's Birth to Three program from day one, which provides his occupational, speech, and physiotherapy. Our insurance covers about 80% of those costs. After a while we also heard about our state's Medicaid scheme for children with disabilities, and were granted coverage with that too. In Wisconsin it's called the Katie Beckett Program, and for us it covers all our out-of-pocket expenses that our insurance company doesn't (so that remaining 20%).
If my son hadn't been born a US citizen he still would receive care under our insurance company, but we would be responsible for the 20% remaining. And that would still bankrupt us! Medical costs are extreme for my son. Even therapy is about $150 a session, and he has up to four sessions a week.
You would have to look in to the specific programs available in your state, and do a lot of research before you go. Also, take your time over the school choices. Our part of Wisconsin has terrible special needs schools, and we're actually planning to move to Minnesota before Little O turns six, just to avoid the schools here. School districts can vary so much, in a very small space.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. Good luck!
Hello everyone. New member here and first of all, I offer my apologies for hijacking this thread somewhat with the original poster missing of late.
Your post Gingerert was very informative and although your son's condition seems different to my child's, your post does relate to a possible situation I may be faced with over the course of the next year or so and I would therefore like to ask for your thoughts on the following if I may:
1. My son is 5 years old and autistic. He has reasonable but limited speech, communicates in short sentences, is happy and non-aggressive. So far and touch wood, he has no other medical conditions other than autism and is a regularly healthy boy. We may be moving to Wisconsin soon with medical insurance covered by my employer, although the finer details of the actual plan I do not know yet. My question is whether autism is generally covered under standard insurance plans or is there typically an extra premium or nothing available for this condition? If it is not covered, would my son be at least covered for general health care no problem as he has no other medical conditions (again touch wood) other than autism?
2. Neither my wife, son or I are US citizens. All going well I will be coming over on a L1A visa and my son and wife on a L2, with the GC process initiated shortly after arrival. Would my son be eligible for the Katie Beckett Program under the L2 visa category? If not, would he be eligible under GC status?
3. You mentioned that your "part of Wisconsin has terrible special needs schools". I am now at the beginning of looking into Wisconsin schools and how the process works and was wondering if you felt any areas of Wisconsin (I will most likely be near Milwaukee) were better than others for Special Needs? Also, would a child with Autism attend a formal Special Needs School in Wisconsin or are they typically included in regular schools who have a Special Needs section? Lastly on this, have you come across the typical fees involved in a Special Needs Education in Wisconsin?
Lastly and most importantly, I wish you all the very best with your son and the future.
May 23rd 2011, 2:06 pm
#37
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Disabled child and health care...
1. My son is 5 years old and autistic. He has reasonable but limited speech, communicates in short sentences, is happy and non-aggressive. So far and touch wood, he has no other medical conditions other than autism and is a regularly healthy boy. We may be moving to Wisconsin soon with medical insurance covered by my employer, although the finer details of the actual plan I do not know yet. My question is whether autism is generally covered under standard insurance plans or is there typically an extra premium or nothing available for this condition? If it is not covered, would my son be at least covered for general health care no problem as he has no other medical conditions (again touch wood) other than autism?
2. Neither my wife, son or I are US citizens. All going well I will be coming over on a L1A visa and my son and wife on a L2, with the GC process initiated shortly after arrival. Would my son be eligible for the Katie Beckett Program under the L2 visa category? If not, would he be eligible under GC status?
How much cover offered depends on your plan though, so ask HR for the details and then look up the finer details on the insurance website.
I can't say about the state program, but most public benefits, certainly means tested ones are for LPR's and citizens only.
Anyway, welcome to BE and good luck with the move!
May 23rd 2011, 4:25 pm
#38
Ginger Monkey
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Cheeseland, WI
Posts: 2,772
Re: Disabled child and health care...
1. My son is 5 years old and autistic. He has reasonable but limited speech, communicates in short sentences, is happy and non-aggressive. So far and touch wood, he has no other medical conditions other than autism and is a regularly healthy boy. We may be moving to Wisconsin soon with medical insurance covered by my employer, although the finer details of the actual plan I do not know yet. My question is whether autism is generally covered under standard insurance plans or is there typically an extra premium or nothing available for this condition? If it is not covered, would my son be at least covered for general health care no problem as he has no other medical conditions (again touch wood) other than autism?
2. Neither my wife, son or I are US citizens. All going well I will be coming over on a L1A visa and my son and wife on a L2, with the GC process initiated shortly after arrival. Would my son be eligible for the Katie Beckett Program under the L2 visa category? If not, would he be eligible under GC status?
3. You mentioned that your "part of Wisconsin has terrible special needs schools". I am now at the beginning of looking into Wisconsin schools and how the process works and was wondering if you felt any areas of Wisconsin (I will most likely be near Milwaukee) were better than others for Special Needs? Also, would a child with Autism attend a formal Special Needs School in Wisconsin or are they typically included in regular schools who have a Special Needs section? Lastly on this, have you come across the typical fees involved in a Special Needs Education in Wisconsin?
Lastly and most importantly, I wish you all the very best with your son and the future.
2. Neither my wife, son or I are US citizens. All going well I will be coming over on a L1A visa and my son and wife on a L2, with the GC process initiated shortly after arrival. Would my son be eligible for the Katie Beckett Program under the L2 visa category? If not, would he be eligible under GC status?
3. You mentioned that your "part of Wisconsin has terrible special needs schools". I am now at the beginning of looking into Wisconsin schools and how the process works and was wondering if you felt any areas of Wisconsin (I will most likely be near Milwaukee) were better than others for Special Needs? Also, would a child with Autism attend a formal Special Needs School in Wisconsin or are they typically included in regular schools who have a Special Needs section? Lastly on this, have you come across the typical fees involved in a Special Needs Education in Wisconsin?
Lastly and most importantly, I wish you all the very best with your son and the future.
Unfortunately I know next to nothing about insurance coverage for autism. I do, however, know of a fantastic family based in Madison, WI whose child is autistic, and they are very knowledgeable about care and coverage for him. Once you have three or more posts I will send you their contact details in a PM, if they agree.
The Katie Beckett program is one part of a whole range of services for people with disabilities in Wisconsin, and we heard about them through Compass Wisconsin, who operate in our district. You might want to check them out (link provided) before coming over. I don't know who operates in Milwaukee, but I'm sure they can point you in the right direction. They are phenomenally useful, and will be able to tell you if autism-spectrum conditions are usually covered, or additional services if they are not.
I do know that there are sources of funding for special needs children available that we don't personally use - some of them we are not eligible for, and others are designed for children with specific needs. I do remember one funding package designed for children with autism.
Now, in terms of what you and your son will be eligible for... I have no idea. I know you don't have to be a USC to receive funding in certain circumstances, but you do have to be a resident. This will be very important to you if you decide to make the move. Other members on BE will be able to tell you what your visa can/will lead to in terms of your immigration status, but once you have that figured out, I would contact Compass Wisconsin and see what they can tell you.
We live in Racine County, which is just across the border from Chicago. The schools here are pretty sh.te, but the districts vary so much. I do know that Milwaukee schools are deemed to be some of the worst in the state... BUT that doesn't mean that their special needs schools/programs are any better or worse than Racine County. I have found it's very hard to get any reliable data on special needs schooling, because it's often not calculated alongside public schools. Also, my son is only two! Our research hasn't been very focused on it yet.
Start with Compass Wisconsin, or try the Southeast Regional Center, based in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin building in Milwaukee. Both these organisations are really, really helpful.
Good luck! Hope to see you on BE again.
May 24th 2011, 4:43 am
#39
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Re: Disabled child and health care...
If it's a group policy, they can't exclude any pre-existings if there hasn't been a break in medical cover, which the NHS is considered to be.
How much cover offered depends on your plan though, so ask HR for the details and then look up the finer details on the insurance website.
I can't say about the state program, but most public benefits, certainly means tested ones are for LPR's and citizens only.
Anyway, welcome to BE and good luck with the move!
How much cover offered depends on your plan though, so ask HR for the details and then look up the finer details on the insurance website.
I can't say about the state program, but most public benefits, certainly means tested ones are for LPR's and citizens only.
Anyway, welcome to BE and good luck with the move!
May 24th 2011, 4:44 am
#40
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Re: Disabled child and health care...
Hi Lurkaholic,
Unfortunately I know next to nothing about insurance coverage for autism. I do, however, know of a fantastic family based in Madison, WI whose child is autistic, and they are very knowledgeable about care and coverage for him. Once you have three or more posts I will send you their contact details in a PM, if they agree.
The Katie Beckett program is one part of a whole range of services for people with disabilities in Wisconsin, and we heard about them through Compass Wisconsin, who operate in our district. You might want to check them out (link provided) before coming over. I don't know who operates in Milwaukee, but I'm sure they can point you in the right direction. They are phenomenally useful, and will be able to tell you if autism-spectrum conditions are usually covered, or additional services if they are not.
I do know that there are sources of funding for special needs children available that we don't personally use - some of them we are not eligible for, and others are designed for children with specific needs. I do remember one funding package designed for children with autism.
Now, in terms of what you and your son will be eligible for... I have no idea. I know you don't have to be a USC to receive funding in certain circumstances, but you do have to be a resident. This will be very important to you if you decide to make the move. Other members on BE will be able to tell you what your visa can/will lead to in terms of your immigration status, but once you have that figured out, I would contact Compass Wisconsin and see what they can tell you.
We live in Racine County, which is just across the border from Chicago. The schools here are pretty sh.te, but the districts vary so much. I do know that Milwaukee schools are deemed to be some of the worst in the state... BUT that doesn't mean that their special needs schools/programs are any better or worse than Racine County. I have found it's very hard to get any reliable data on special needs schooling, because it's often not calculated alongside public schools. Also, my son is only two! Our research hasn't been very focused on it yet.
Start with Compass Wisconsin, or try the Southeast Regional Center, based in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin building in Milwaukee. Both these organisations are really, really helpful.
Good luck! Hope to see you on BE again.
Unfortunately I know next to nothing about insurance coverage for autism. I do, however, know of a fantastic family based in Madison, WI whose child is autistic, and they are very knowledgeable about care and coverage for him. Once you have three or more posts I will send you their contact details in a PM, if they agree.
The Katie Beckett program is one part of a whole range of services for people with disabilities in Wisconsin, and we heard about them through Compass Wisconsin, who operate in our district. You might want to check them out (link provided) before coming over. I don't know who operates in Milwaukee, but I'm sure they can point you in the right direction. They are phenomenally useful, and will be able to tell you if autism-spectrum conditions are usually covered, or additional services if they are not.
I do know that there are sources of funding for special needs children available that we don't personally use - some of them we are not eligible for, and others are designed for children with specific needs. I do remember one funding package designed for children with autism.
Now, in terms of what you and your son will be eligible for... I have no idea. I know you don't have to be a USC to receive funding in certain circumstances, but you do have to be a resident. This will be very important to you if you decide to make the move. Other members on BE will be able to tell you what your visa can/will lead to in terms of your immigration status, but once you have that figured out, I would contact Compass Wisconsin and see what they can tell you.
We live in Racine County, which is just across the border from Chicago. The schools here are pretty sh.te, but the districts vary so much. I do know that Milwaukee schools are deemed to be some of the worst in the state... BUT that doesn't mean that their special needs schools/programs are any better or worse than Racine County. I have found it's very hard to get any reliable data on special needs schooling, because it's often not calculated alongside public schools. Also, my son is only two! Our research hasn't been very focused on it yet.
Start with Compass Wisconsin, or try the Southeast Regional Center, based in the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin building in Milwaukee. Both these organisations are really, really helpful.
Good luck! Hope to see you on BE again.
I have read as much as I can recently on the Special Needs programmes in Wisconsin and like you touched on, the different districts seem to be a bit hit and miss. What I do understand though is that WI does seem to be one of the best States with regards to services of this nature provided you settle in an appropriate school district. We certainly hope that is the case and will be working hard on this over the next few months.
May 26th 2011, 1:18 am
#41
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Re: Disabled child and health care...
A small update to my post above for anyone looking for more info on the Katie Beckett program eligibility.
I have it confirmed from the relevant body in Wisconsin that Green Card permanent residency status is a minimum for eligibility.
I have it confirmed from the relevant body in Wisconsin that Green Card permanent residency status is a minimum for eligibility.
May 26th 2011, 2:20 am
#42
Ginger Monkey
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Cheeseland, WI
Posts: 2,772
Re: Disabled child and health care...
Will your visa lead to a green card eventually? And have you contacted your HR department to find out what coverage will/will not be available for your son on your insurance plan?
You will probably be in a similar situation to us, in that your income will be too high to receive a full ride for your son on any Medicaid plan. That's why the
Katie Beckett program is so useful. It's designed to ease the financial burden of middle-income families who have children with disabilities, and is needs-based - not income-based. Feel free to ask any other questions about it, and I'll do my bit to answer them. I can also find out some more information for you, if you need a contact this side of the pond.
May 26th 2011, 3:27 am
#43
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Disabled child and health care...
I think what you need to do is research what school districts you may be in and see how their special education departments are. All of them are supposed to offer speech, occupational and physical therapy. Some are better than others. Just as some districts have better autistic programs.
May 26th 2011, 7:26 am
#44
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Re: Disabled child and health care...
Yup, that sounds about right.
Will your visa lead to a green card eventually? And have you contacted your HR department to find out what coverage will/will not be available for your son on your insurance plan?
You will probably be in a similar situation to us, in that your income will be too high to receive a full ride for your son on any Medicaid plan. That's why the
Katie Beckett program is so useful. It's designed to ease the financial burden of middle-income families who have children with disabilities, and is needs-based - not income-based. Feel free to ask any other questions about it, and I'll do my bit to answer them. I can also find out some more information for you, if you need a contact this side of the pond.
Will your visa lead to a green card eventually? And have you contacted your HR department to find out what coverage will/will not be available for your son on your insurance plan?
You will probably be in a similar situation to us, in that your income will be too high to receive a full ride for your son on any Medicaid plan. That's why the
Katie Beckett program is so useful. It's designed to ease the financial burden of middle-income families who have children with disabilities, and is needs-based - not income-based. Feel free to ask any other questions about it, and I'll do my bit to answer them. I can also find out some more information for you, if you need a contact this side of the pond.
Lastly, thanks for the offer of help. I do not want to burden you at this time other than the great help you have given me so far which I thank you for. I also now have a contact working with Autistic children who is giving me some good pointers on top.
May 26th 2011, 7:34 am
#45
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Re: Disabled child and health care...
I'm just curious why you would want the Katie Beckett program? Your son is otherwise healthy, but autistic? I think this Katie Beckett program is for children with high medical needs?
I think what you need to do is research what school districts you may be in and see how their special education departments are. All of them are supposed to offer speech, occupational and physical therapy. Some are better than others. Just as some districts have better autistic programs.
I think what you need to do is research what school districts you may be in and see how their special education departments are. All of them are supposed to offer speech, occupational and physical therapy. Some are better than others. Just as some districts have better autistic programs.
Agreed on the school district research. I have reached out to a few and collating info as we speak. I'm getting some good help which I am appreciative of.