Grants Available for Childrens Medical Expenses

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Grants Available for Children's Medical Expenses

* UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation grants help families pay for

children's medical expenses not covered by a commercial health insurance

plan * More than 1,500 families have received grants since 2007

MINNEAPOLIS (March 11, 2010) - The UnitedHealthcare Children's

Foundation (UHCCF) is seeking grant applications from families in need

of financial assistance to pay for their child's health care treatments,

services or equipment not covered by their commercial health insurance

plans.

Qualifying families could receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical

services and equipment such as physical and occupational therapy,

prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Grants are also provided in cases where insurance may cover only a

portion of the expenses.

" The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is dedicated to facilitating

greater access to medical-related services that can help improve

children's health and quality of life, " said UHCCF President Matt

. " We recognize some families experience gaps in coverage for

certain medical treatments and equipment, and we are committed to

helping fill this void. Since expanding our grant program nationwide in

2007, we have provided more than 1,500 grants to families in need of

financial assistance. "

Last year, UHCCF awarded grants to more than 450 families for treatments

associated with medical conditions such as speech and developmental

delays, hearing loss, autism, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome

and cerebral palsy.

" I'll never forget the day the grant acceptance letter arrived, " said

Melville, whose daughter required therapy as a result of Down

syndrome. " We are very thankful to the UnitedHealthcare Children's

Foundation for the grant. It is a huge relief to know that my daughter

is getting the therapy she needs, and the bills are not overshadowing it

all. "

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. Parents and legal guardians may

apply for grants online at www.uhccf.org.

The Web site includes additional grant application criteria, video

clips, stories about recently helped children, and a new " live chat "

feature that enables visitors to speak directly with a UHCCF

representative. Visitors can also make tax-deductible donations directly

online.

About UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation

The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is a nonprofit

501©(3) public charity that strives to enhance either the clinical

condition or quality of life of children who have health care needs not

fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan. UHCCF provides

medical grants of up to $5,000 for costs associated with medical

services and equipment. UHCCF's funding is provided by contributions

from individuals, corporations and UnitedHealth Group employees.

Donations to help provide assistance are deeply appreciated. To donate

or learn more, please visit www.uhccf.org.