What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know about MedicalAssistance for Their Child with Special Needs:

Pennsylvania is one of theonly states in the nation that offers special health insurance to children withdisabilities.  The insurance ismade possible through Medical Assistance (MA).

Medical Assistance forChildren with Disabilities is also an important funding source for EarlyIntervention.  It helps BucksCounty Intermediate Unit's Preschool Program provide services to eligiblechildren.

Medical Assistance for Children with Disabilities:

Participation isvoluntary.  There is no cost to thefamily.  The child's diagnosis, notthe parent's income, determines the child's eligibility.

Why is this insurance available in Pennsylvania?

The State of Pennsylvaniadeveloped this insurance in 1992 because:

            -    Regular insurance planshave limits or ceilings; this one does not.

            -    Having medical expensescovered makes it easier for families to make important health related                                    decisions fortheir children with disabilities.

            -    Eligible children will havehealth care coverage even if their families do not.

Some of the ways eligible children can benefit from thisinsurance:

           -   Coverage for co-pays for office visits, prescriptions, and specialists.

            -    Reimbursement for diapers after the eligible child turns 3years of age.

            -    Help with paying forglasses, hearing aids, assistive technology devices, and dental.

            -    Coverage for other servicesnot covered by private insurance policies.

With Medical Assistance for Children with Disabilities:

           -   A child will be covered for services that private insurance may notcover.

            -    The primary insurance isstill the child's first coverage.

            -    MA kicks in as secondaryinsurance for the eligible child.

            -    There is no effect on theprimary insurance benefits.

            -    If a family does not haveinsurance or loses its insurance, an eligible child will be covered.

To Apply for Medical Assistance for your Child or GetMore Information:

This information is providedto help you learn more about the benefits that may be available to an eligiblechild. If you have questions or want more information, contact or email Sue Dunkley, R.N. at 800-770-4822 ext. 1643.