Financial Help for the Families of Premature Babies
Pregnancies normally last about 40 weeks. If a mother gives birth to a baby more than three weeks early, doctors consider the baby premature. Premature babies may not be fully developed and they can have all sorts of medical problems and often require costly medical care. Mothers of premature babies may need to remain out of the workforce for some time due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth, and at least one parent may need to remain at home with medically fragile premature babies for some time, so families may have reduced income at the same time they have extra expenses.
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Medicaid
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Medicaid is a program available in all 50 states that provides health insurance for some low-income families. For those who qualify, Medicaid covers things like childbirth, hospitalization, including care in a neonatal intensive care unit, visits to doctors and clinics, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, home health care, medical supplies and prescription medications. Apply at the welfare agency in the county where you reside.
Children's Health Insurance Program
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The Children's Health Insurance Program provides health insurance for some children from families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but that still need assistance paying for health-care services. It covers the same sorts of services covered by Medicaid. Apply at the welfare agency in the county where you reside. You can also apply at some hospitals, so if your baby is still in the hospital, ask the social worker there if she can give you an application.
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Grants
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Some foundations offer grants to families of children with serious medical problems, including premature babies. For instance, the United Healthcare Children's Fund helps pay for some medical needs, and the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund helps pay for things like housing and travel for families. Ask the social worker at the hospital where your baby receives care about other grants for which you might qualify.
Other Sources of Assistance
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Families of premature babies may qualify for many forms of financial assistance, including Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), food stamps, assistance with childcare expenses for other children and assistance with home heating bills. Apply for help at the welfare agency in your county. Community action agencies, Catholic charities, churches and other community organizations may also offer assistance to families with premature babies. Ask the social worker at the hospital where your baby receives care to refer you or call your local United Way and ask about sources of assistance for your family.
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References
- Kelly Morris, Social Worker, Mansfield, Ohio.
- Web MD: Premature Infant Overview
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Medicaid Overview
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Children's Health Insurance Program
- United Healthcare Children's Fund: FAQs -- Potential Grant Applicants
- Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund: Programs
