Help clinics understand how they can assist families caring for children with PKU.

Research conducted by the University of Louisville aims to help clinics offer improved care and support for families of children with PKU. They anticipate it will take 30-40 minutes of your time. Surveyors can meet with you at your clinic, at your home, or another convenient location. For your participation, you can choose a lunchbox for your child or a $15 gift card.

For additional information, view the PKU study flyer.

A recent study found increases in respiratory illness such as asthma and bronchitis when gas stoves are not used properly.

Researchers recommend using a ventilation system to make sure air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are removed from the home. They also recommend families should not use gas stoves to heat the home. Read the full article at The Nation’s Health website.

Get the health coverage you need.

The Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people enroll in health coverage.

You can compare health plans by using the Marketplace website or making an appointment with a Navigator.  A Navigator can help you compare the plans available and enroll in a new plan or re-enroll in your current health plan.   In Illinois, visit the Get Covered Illinois web page to locate a navigator in your area.

Open enrollment for health insurance through the Marketplace begins on November 15, 2014 and runs through February 15, 2015. During open enrollment you can re-enroll in your current health plan or select a new health plan.

If you purchased health insurance from the Marketplace last year,  you should receive important notices from the federal government and your insurance company.  These notices will help you understand your coverage options for this open enrollment period. Keep in mind health plans can change.  Before you make a decision to stay with your health plan, it’s important to review the plan for any changes such as increased rates or provider network changes.

If you are receiving financial assistance and decide to keep your current health plan, make sure you verify your information so you receive the right amount of assistance.

If your financial situation has changed contact a Navigator to learn if you are eligible for financial assistance.

 

Learn the risks, common causes, and prevention strategies of unintentional injury.

Developmental Pediatrician, Dr. Patty Huang, talks about the key factors that place children with special health care needs at risk for unintentional injury. Dr. Huang also covers common causes and some injury prevention strategies every family should know. Since this is an online event, you can listen in from any computer!

To connect to the webinar

• visit https://connect.wisconsin.gov/safedis/
• at the login screen, enter the meeting as a guest
• type in your first and last name, and click enter room
• a chat window will be provided for questions to the speaker
• your computer speakers will need to be turned on – no phone conference line will be used

Before the webinar, you can test your computer’s settings.

Date/Time
Monday, November 10, 2014
9:30am – 10:15am,

Guide By Your Side is by parents, for parents.

Trained parent guides offer information, support, and resources. Check out their latest newsletter for several upcoming events, many focused on hearing loss.

Offer your suggestions on the redesign of the National Survey of Children’s Health.

An important survey about children’s health is being redesigned to improve the questions. If you have an hour of time and you’re willing to answer questions about children’s health conditions and discuss with an interviewer, you could earn $30 for your opinion.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau is seeking survey takers that are at least 18 years old and are the parent/guardian of a child 17  or under who lives in the same household.

For more information, contact (888) 326-9165 or email nsch@norc.org.

Learn about insurance options available as your child ages to a young adult.

This Family Voices article describes the different types of insurance coverage available for young adults with special needs. In some cases, your child may be eligible for more than one type of plan.  Plans may be through an employer, through the marketplace, or even publicly provided under Medicaid or Medicare. Read Affordable Care Act: How Can Families and Professionals Help Children with Special Needs Keep Insurance Coverage as they Age Out?

Our care coordinators know the ins and outs of insurance options. Call us if you have any questions (800) 322-3722.

Researchers found smoking during pregnancy can cause cleft lip and palate.

Cleft lip and palate are physical birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. The 2014 Surgeon General’s report says 6% of babies born in the United States with orofacial cleft are caused by smoking during early pregnancy. Read the full article at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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• The condition in this story is covered by Specialized Care for Children

See what’s new with Special Olympics.

The September 2014 newsletter has several exciting articles. Find out about the new online process to register for competitions. Like roller coasters? You’ll love the Six Flags fundraising coaster challenge! You can also access a wheelchair user’s guide to fitness equipment or find upcoming events near you. Read the Special Olympics September Newsletter.

Apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment.

This grant is offered by United Healthcare Children’s Foundation. It helps families who have private insurance, but need financial assistance to help pay for healthcare treatments, services, or equipment that is not covered or not fully covered by their private health insurance plan.

Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Applicants may apply online at any time – there is no deadline.

Complete an online application at United Healthcare Children’s Foundation.