---

Financial Help for Diabetes Care


Financial Help for Diabetes Care -- Posted by Gumbo on 12-05-04 21:52

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Financial Help for Diabetes Care=20


a.. Medicare=20
b.. Medicaid=20
c.. State Children's Health Insurance Program=20
d.. Health Insurance=20
e.. Managed Care=20
f.. Health Insurance After Leaving a Job=20
g.. Health Care Services=20
h.. Hospital Care=20
i.. Dialysis and Transplantation=20
j.. Prescription Drugs and Medical Supplies=20
k.. Prosthetic Care=20
l.. Classroom Services=20
m.. Technological Assistance=20
n.. Food and Nutrition=20
o.. Local Resources=20
Diabetes treatment is expensive. According to the American Diabetes =
Association, people who have this disease spend an average of $13,243 a =
year on health care expenses.

Many people who have diabetes need help paying some of the bills. It's a =
good idea to start by looking for an insurance plan that covers as many =
diabetes-related expenses as possible. A variety of governmental and =
nongovernmental programs exist to help, depending on whether you =
qualify.

Medicare

Medicare is a Government program providing health care services for =
people who are 65 years and older. People who are disabled or have =
become disabled also can apply for Medicare, and limited coverage is =
available for people of all ages with kidney failure. To learn if you're =
eligible, check with your local Social Security office or call the =
Medicare Hotline listed below. Medicare now includes coverage for =
glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets as well as medical nutrition =
therapy services for people with diabetes or kidney disease when =
referred by a doctor. Diabetes self-management training, therapeutic =
shoes, glaucoma screening, and flu and pneumonia shots are also covered.

For more information about Medicare benefits, call the National Diabetes =
Education Program at 1-800-438-5383 and request copies of The Power to =
Control Diabetes Is in Your Hands and Expanded Medicare Coverage of =
Diabetes Services, or read them online at www.ndep.nih.gov (click on =
"Control" under "About Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes"). You can also read =
the booklet Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies & Services (PDF) =
online or request a copy from:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227)
Internet: www.medicare.gov

[Top]

Medicaid

Medicaid is a state health assistance program for people based on =
financial need. Your income must be below a certain level to qualify for =
Medicaid funds. To apply, talk with a social worker or contact your =
local department of human services. Check the government pages of your =
phone book.

[Top]

State Children's Health Insurance Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established the =
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to help children =
without health insurance. SCHIP provides health coverage for children =
whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to =
afford private health insurance. Consumers can obtain information about =
the program by calling toll-free 1-877-KIDS-NOW (543-7669), or by =
checking www.insurekidsnow.gov.

[Top]

Health Insurance

Because health insurance is meant to cover unexpected future illnesses, =
diabetes that has already been diagnosed presents a problem. It is =
considered a preexisting condition so finding coverage may be difficult. =
Many insurance companies have a specific waiting period during which =
they do not cover diabetes-related expenses for new enrollees, although =
they will cover other medical expenses that arise during this time.

Recent state and Federal laws, however, may help. Many states now =
require insurance companies to cover diabetes supplies and education. =
The Health Insurance Portability Act, passed by Congress in 1996, limits =
insurance companies from denying coverage because of a preexisting =
condition. To find out more about these laws, contact your state =
insurance regulatory office. This office can also help you find an =
insurance company that offers individual coverage.

[Top]

Managed Care

Most HMOs keep costs down by limiting the choice of doctors to those who =
belong to the network, restricting access to specialists, reducing =
hospital stays, and emphasizing preventive care. In most managed care =
plans, especially Medicare HMOs, you select a primary care physician who =
will be responsible for directing your care and referring you to =
specialists when he or she feels it's necessary. Some plans also cover =
extra benefits like prescription drugs.

For more information on managed care organizations, particularly the =
quality of care offered to patients, you may want to contact the =
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) at 1-888-275-7585 or see =
www.ncqa.org on the Internet.

Medicare also has many publications to help you learn more about managed =
care. Go to www.medicare.gov on the Internet or call 1-800-MEDICARE =
(633-4227) for more information.

[Top]

Health Insurance After Leaving a Job

If you lose your health coverage when you leave your job, you may be =
able to buy group coverage for up to 18 months under a Federal law =
called the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA. =
Buying group coverage is cheaper than going out alone to buy individual =
coverage. If you have a disability, you can extend COBRA coverage for up =
to 29 months. COBRA may also cover young people who were insured under a =
parent's policy but have reached the age limit and are trying to obtain =
their own insurance.

For more information, call the Department of Labor at 1-866-487-2365 or =
see www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm on the Internet.

If you don't qualify for coverage or if your COBRA coverage has expired, =
you can still seek other options:

a.. Some states require employers to offer conversion policies, in =
which you stay with your insurance company but buy individual coverage.


b.. Some professional or alumni organizations offer group coverage for =
members.


c.. Your state may be one of 29 with a high-risk pool for people =
unable to get coverage.


d.. Some insurance companies also offer stopgap policies designed for =
people who are between jobs.=20
Contact your state insurance regulatory office for more information on =
these and other options. Information on consumer health plans is also =
available at the U.S. Department of Labor's website at =
www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/consumerinfhealth.htm.

[Top]

Health Care Services

The Bureau of Primary Health Care, a service of the Health Resources and =
Services Administration, offers health care for people regardless of =
their insurance status or ability to pay. To find local health centers, =
call 1-800-400-2742 and ask for a directory, or visit the bureau's =
website at www.bphc.hrsa.gov on the Internet.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs hospitals and clinics that =
serve veterans who have service-related health problems or who simply =
need financial aid. If you're a veteran and would like to find out more =
about VA health care, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website at =
www.va.gov.

Many local governments have public health departments that can help =
people who need medical care. Your local county or city government's =
health and human services office can provide further information.

[Top]

Hospital Care

If you're uninsured and need hospital care, you may be able to get help. =
In 1946, Congress passed the Hospital Survey and Construction Act, which =
was sponsored by Senators Lister Hill and Harold Burton and is now known =
as the Hill-Burton Act. Although the program originally provided =
hospitals with Federal grants for modernization, today it provides free =
or reduced-charge medical services to low-income people. The program is =
administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. For more =
information, call 1-800-638-0742 or visit www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr on the =
Internet.

[Top]

Dialysis and Transplantation

Kidney failure is a complication of diabetes. In 1972, Congress passed =
legislation making people of any age with permanent kidney failure =
eligible for Medicare. To qualify for Medicare on the basis of kidney =
failure, you must need regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, =
and you must have worked under Social Security, the Railroad Retirement =
Board, or as a Government employee (or be the child or spouse of someone =
who has), or you must already be receiving Social Security or Railroad =
Retirement benefits. Every American needing dialysis for chronic kidney =
failure is eligible for dialysis assistance. For more information, call =
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-MEDICARE =
(633-4227) to request the booklet Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis =
and Kidney Transplant Services. This booklet is also available on the =
Internet at www.medicare.gov under "Publications."

For information on financing an organ transplant, contact the following =
organization:

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
P.O. Box 2484
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 1-888-894-6361
Internet: www.unos.org

[Top]

Prescription Drugs and Medical Supplies

If you can't pay for your medicines and supplies without help, you =
should tell your health care provider. Your doctor may be able to direct =
you to local programs or even provide free samples.

You or your doctor can order a free filament to check feet for nerve =
damage. The filament (with instructions for use) is available by calling =
the Bureau of Primary Health Care's (BPHC's) Lower Extremity Amputation =
Prevention Program (LEAP) at 1-888-ASK-HRSA (275-4772) or by accessing =
www.bphc.hrsa.gov/leap on the Internet.

The Medicare program offers a searchable database of prescription drug =
assistance programs at www.medicare.gov/Prescription/Home.asp. This =
website gives information on public and private programs offering =
discounted or free medication. You can also learn about Medicare health =
plans with prescription coverage.

In addition, drug companies that sell insulin or diabetes medications =
usually have patient assistance programs. Such programs are available =
only through a physician. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers =
of America and its member companies sponsor an interactive website with =
information on drug assistance programs at www.helpingpatients.org.

Also, since programs targeted at the homeless sometimes provide aid, try =
contacting a local shelter for more information on how to obtain free =
medications and medical supplies. Check your phone book under Human =
Service Organizations or Social Service Organizations for the number of =
the nearest shelter.

[Top]

Prosthetic Care

If you've had an amputation, paying for your rehabilitation expenses may =
be a concern. The following organizations provide financial assistance =
for people who need prosthetic care:

Amputee Coalition of America
900 East Hill Avenue, Suite 285
Knoxville, TN 37915-2568
Phone: 1-888-AMP-KNOW (267-5669)
Internet: www.amputee-coalition.org

Easter Seals
230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 1-800-221-6827
Fax: (312) 726-1494
Internet: www.easterseals.com

Prosthetics for Diabetics Foundation
323 Reed Way
Monroe, GA 30655
Phone: (770) 267-0019
Fax: (770) 395-7487
Internet: www.expage.com/page/pfdfoundation

[Top]

Classroom Services

Public agencies that provide assistance to children with diabetes and =
other disabilities and to their families are listed on the State =
Resource Sheets published by the National Dissemination Center for =
Children with Disabilities (NICHCY). These free resource sheets, which =
list the names and addresses of agencies in your state, are available by =
contacting:

NICHCY
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 1-800-695-0285
Fax: (202) 884-8441
Internet: www.nichcy.org

College-age students who have diabetes-related disabilities may be faced =
not only with the costs of tuition, but also with additional expenses =
generally not incurred by other students. These costs may include =
special equipment and disability-related medical expenses not covered by =
insurance. Some special equipment and support services may be available =
at the institution, through community organizations, through the state =
vocational rehabilitation agency, or through specific disability =
organizations. The names and addresses of these and other agencies are =
also listed in the State Resource Sheets.

You can apply for financial aid at the financial aid office of the =
institution you plan to attend. A free copy of the booklet Funding Your =
Education is available from the U.S. Department of Education by writing =
to

Federal Student Aid Programs
P.O. Box 84
Washington, DC 20044-0084
Phone: 1-800-433-3243
Internet: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/FYE/index.html

The HEATH Resource Center (National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary =
Education for Individuals with Disabilities) offers information on =
sources of financial aid and the education of students with a =
disability. Contact:

The George Washington University
HEATH Resource Center
2121 K Street NW., Suite 220
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 1-800-544-3284
Fax: (202) 973-0908
Email: askheath@gwu.edu
Internet: www.heath.gwu.edu

Information on grants that are available to individuals for financing =
higher education is available at the following nonprofit organization's =
library:

The Foundation Center
79 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 620-4230
Fax: (212) 691-1828
Internet: www.fdncenter.org

[Top]

Technological Assistance

Assistive technology, which can help people with disabilities function =
more effectively at home, at work, and in the community, can include =
computers, adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, bathroom modifications, and =
medical or corrective services. The following organizations provide =
information, awareness, and training in the use of technology to aid =
people with disabilities:

Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
1304 Southpoint Boulevard, Suite 240
Petaluma, CA 94954
Phone: (707) 778-3011
Email: ATAinfo@ATAccess.org
Internet: www.ataccess.org

UCP (a.k.a. United Cerebral Palsy)
1660 L Street NW., Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 1-800-872-5827
or (202) 776-0406
Fax: (202) 776-0414
Email: webmaster@ucp.org
Internet: www.ucp.org/ucp_channelsub.cfm/1/14/86

[Top]

Food and Nutrition

Food, nutrition education, and access to health care services are also =
available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's WIC (Women, =
Infants, and Children) program. Pregnant women who meet residential, =
financial need, and nutrition risk criteria are eligible for assistance. =
Gestational diabetes is considered a medically based nutrition risk and =
would qualify a woman for assistance through the WIC program if she =
meets the financial need requirements and has lived in a particular =
state the required amount of time. The WIC website provides a page of =
contact information for each state and Indian tribe, or you can contact =
the national headquarters at the following address:

WIC at FNS Headquarters:
Supplemental Food Programs Division
Food and Nutrition Service--USDA
3101 Park Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: (703) 305-2746
Internet: www.fns.usda.gov/wic

[Top]

Local Resources

Finally, for help in financing some of the many expenses related to =
diabetes, you may also want to seek out available local resources, such =
as the following charitable groups:

a.. Lions Clubs International, which can help with vision care


b.. Rotary Clubs, which provide humanitarian and educational =
assistance


c.. Elks Clubs, which provide charitable activities that benefit youth =
and veterans


d.. Shriners, which offer need-based treatment for children at =
Shriners hospitals throughout the country


e.. Kiwanis Clubs, which conduct fund-raising events and projects to =
help the community and especially children


f.. religious organizations


In many areas, nonprofit or special interest groups such as those listed =
above can sometimes provide financial assistance or help with =
fund-raising. In addition, some local governments may have special =
trusts set up to help people in need. You can find out more about such =
groups at your local library or your local city or county government's =
health and human services office.

Note: This information was accurate as of August 2004. Contact each =
organization directly for the most up-to-date information.

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charset=3Diso-8859-1">





size=3D6> id=3Darticletitle>Financial Help for Diabetes Care =




Diabetes treatment is expensive. According to the American Diabetes=20
Association, people who have this disease spend an average of $13,243 a =
year on=20
health care expenses.


Many people who have diabetes need help paying some of the bills. =
It's a good=20
idea to start by looking for an insurance plan that covers as many=20
diabetes-related expenses as possible. A variety of governmental and=20
nongovernmental programs exist to help, depending on whether you =
qualify.

name=3D1>

Medicare


Medicare is a Government program providing health care services for =
people=20
who are 65 years and older. People who are disabled or have become =
disabled also=20
can apply for Medicare, and limited coverage is available for people of =
all ages=20
with kidney failure. To learn if you're eligible, check with your local =
Social=20
Security office or call the Medicare Hotline listed below. Medicare now =
includes=20
coverage for glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets as well as =
medical=20
nutrition therapy services for people with diabetes or kidney disease =
when=20
referred by a doctor. Diabetes self-management training, therapeutic =
shoes,=20
glaucoma screening, and flu and pneumonia shots are also covered.


For more information about Medicare benefits, call the National =
Diabetes=20
Education Program at 1-800-438-5383 and request copies of The Power =
to=20
Control Diabetes Is in Your Hands and Expanded Medicare Coverage =
of=20
Diabetes Services, or read them online at href=3D"http://www.ndep.nih.gov/" target=3D_blank>www.ndep.nih.gov =
(click on=20
"Control" under "About Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes"). You can also read =
the=20
booklet href=3D"http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11022.pdf"=20
target=3D_blank>Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies & =
Services=20
(PDF) online or request a copy from:


Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security=20
Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE=20
(633-4227)
Internet:
target=3D_blank>www.medicare.gov


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D2>

Medicaid


Medicaid is a state health assistance program for people based on =
financial=20
need. Your income must be below a certain level to qualify for Medicaid =
funds.=20
To apply, talk with a social worker or contact your local department of =
human=20
services. Check the government pages of your phone book.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D3>

State Children's Health Insurance Program


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established the =
State=20
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to help children without =
health=20
insurance. SCHIP provides health coverage for children whose families =
earn too=20
much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private health =
insurance.=20
Consumers can obtain information about the program by calling toll-free=20
1-877-KIDS-NOW (543-7669), or by checking href=3D"http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/"=20
target=3D_blank>www.insurekidsnow.gov.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D4>

Health Insurance


Because health insurance is meant to cover unexpected future =
illnesses,=20
diabetes that has already been diagnosed presents a problem. It is =
considered a=20
preexisting condition so finding coverage may be difficult. Many =
insurance=20
companies have a specific waiting period during which they do not cover=20
diabetes-related expenses for new enrollees, although they will cover =
other=20
medical expenses that arise during this time.


Recent state and Federal laws, however, may help. Many states now =
require=20
insurance companies to cover diabetes supplies and education. The Health =

Insurance Portability Act, passed by Congress in 1996, limits insurance=20
companies from denying coverage because of a preexisting condition. To =
find out=20
more about these laws, contact your state insurance regulatory office. =
This=20
office can also help you find an insurance company that offers =
individual=20
coverage.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D5>

Managed Care


Most HMOs keep costs down by limiting the choice of doctors to those =
who=20
belong to the network, restricting access to specialists, reducing =
hospital=20
stays, and emphasizing preventive care. In most managed care plans, =
especially=20
Medicare HMOs, you select a primary care physician who will be =
responsible for=20
directing your care and referring you to specialists when he or she =
feels it's=20
necessary. Some plans also cover extra benefits like prescription =
drugs.


For more information on managed care organizations, particularly the =
quality=20
of care offered to patients, you may want to contact the National =
Committee for=20
Quality Assurance (NCQA) at 1-888-275-7585 or see href=3D"http://www.ncqa.org/" target=3D_blank>www.ncqa.org on the =
Internet.


Medicare also has many publications to help you learn more about =
managed=20
care. Go to target=3D_blank>www.medicare.gov on the Internet or call =
1-800-MEDICARE=20
(633-4227) for more information.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D6>

Health Insurance After Leaving a Job


If you lose your health coverage when you leave your job, you may be =
able to=20
buy group coverage for up to 18 months under a Federal law called the=20
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA. Buying group =
coverage=20
is cheaper than going out alone to buy individual coverage. If you have =
a=20
disability, you can extend COBRA coverage for up to 29 months. COBRA may =
also=20
cover young people who were insured under a parent's policy but have =
reached the=20
age limit and are trying to obtain their own insurance.


For more information, call the Department of Labor at 1-866-487-2365 =
or see=20
href=3D"http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm"=20
target=3D_blank>www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm on the=20
Internet.


If you don't qualify for coverage or if your COBRA coverage has =
expired, you=20
can still seek other options:



  • Some states require employers to offer conversion policies, in =
    which you=20
    stay with your insurance company but buy individual coverage.


  • Some professional or alumni organizations offer group coverage for =

    members.


  • Your state may be one of 29 with a high-risk pool for people =
    unable to get=20
    coverage.


  • Some insurance companies also offer stopgap policies designed for =
    people=20
    who are between jobs.

Contact your state insurance regulatory office for more information =
on these=20
and other options. Information on consumer health plans is also =
available at the=20
U.S. Department of Labor's website at href=3D"http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/consumerinfhealth.htm" =

target=3D_blank>www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/consumerinfhealth.htm<=
/A>.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D7>

Health Care Services


The Bureau of Primary Health Care, a service of the Health Resources =
and=20
Services Administration, offers health care for people regardless of =
their=20
insurance status or ability to pay. To find local health centers, call=20
1-800-400-2742 and ask for a directory, or visit the bureau's website at =
class=3Dart href=3D"http://www.bphc.hrsa.gov/" =
target=3D_blank>www.bphc.hrsa.gov=20
on the Internet.


The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs hospitals and clinics =
that serve=20
veterans who have service-related health problems or who simply need =
financial=20
aid. If you're a veteran and would like to find out more about VA health =
care,=20
call 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website at href=3D"http://www.va.gov/" target=3D_blank>www.va.gov.


Many local governments have public health departments that can help =
people=20
who need medical care. Your local county or city government's health and =
human=20
services office can provide further information.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D8>

Hospital Care


If you're uninsured and need hospital care, you may be able to get =
help. In=20
1946, Congress passed the Hospital Survey and Construction Act, which =
was=20
sponsored by Senators Lister Hill and Harold Burton and is now known as =
the=20
Hill-Burton Act. Although the program originally provided hospitals with =
Federal=20
grants for modernization, today it provides free or reduced-charge =
medical=20
services to low-income people. The program is administered by the =
Department of=20
Health and Human Services. For more information, call 1-800-638-0742 or =
visit class=3Dart href=3D"http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr"=20
target=3D_blank>www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr on the Internet.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D9>

Dialysis and Transplantation


Kidney failure is a complication of diabetes. In 1972, Congress =
passed=20
legislation making people of any age with permanent kidney failure =
eligible for=20
Medicare. To qualify for Medicare on the basis of kidney failure, you =
must need=20
regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, and you must have =
worked under=20
Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board, or as a Government =
employee (or=20
be the child or spouse of someone who has), or you must already be =
receiving=20
Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. Every American needing =
dialysis=20
for chronic kidney failure is eligible for dialysis assistance. For more =

information, call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at=20
1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) to request the booklet Medicare Coverage of =
Kidney=20
Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services. This booklet is also =
available on=20
the Internet at target=3D_blank>www.medicare.gov under "Publications."


For information on financing an organ transplant, contact the =
following=20
organization:


United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
P.O. Box 2484
Richmond, =
VA=20
23218
Phone: 1-888-894-6361
Internet: href=3D"http://www.unos.org/" target=3D_blank>www.unos.org


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D10>

Prescription Drugs and Medical Supplies


If you can't pay for your medicines and supplies without help, you =
should=20
tell your health care provider. Your doctor may be able to direct you to =
local=20
programs or even provide free samples.


You or your doctor can order a free filament to check feet for nerve =
damage.=20
The filament (with instructions for use) is available by calling the =
Bureau of=20
Primary Health Care's (BPHC's) Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention =
Program=20
(LEAP) at 1-888-ASK-HRSA (275-4772) or by accessing href=3D"http://www.bphc.hrsa.gov/leap" =
target=3D_blank>www.bphc.hrsa.gov/leap on=20
the Internet.


The Medicare program offers a searchable database of prescription =
drug=20
assistance programs at href=3D"http://www.medicare.gov/Prescription/Home.asp"=20
target=3D_blank>www.medicare.gov/Prescription/Home.asp. This website =
gives=20
information on public and private programs offering discounted or free=20
medication. You can also learn about Medicare health plans with =
prescription=20
coverage.


In addition, drug companies that sell insulin or diabetes medications =
usually=20
have patient assistance programs. Such programs are available only =
through a=20
physician. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and =
its=20
member companies sponsor an interactive website with information on drug =

assistance programs at href=3D"http://www.helpingpatients.org/"=20
target=3D_blank>www.helpingpatients.org.


Also, since programs targeted at the homeless sometimes provide aid, =
try=20
contacting a local shelter for more information on how to obtain free=20
medications and medical supplies. Check your phone book under Human =
Service=20
Organizations or Social Service Organizations for the number of the =
nearest=20
shelter.


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D11>

Prosthetic Care


If you've had an amputation, paying for your rehabilitation expenses =
may be a=20
concern. The following organizations provide financial assistance for =
people who=20
need prosthetic care:


Amputee Coalition of America
900 East Hill Avenue, Suite =
285
Knoxville,=20
TN 37915-2568
Phone: 1-888-AMP-KNOW (267-5669)
Internet: class=3Dart=20
href=3D"http://www.amputee-coalition.org/"=20
target=3D_blank>www.amputee-coalition.org


Easter Seals
230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL=20
60606
Phone: 1-800-221-6827
Fax: (312) 726-1494
Internet: class=3Dart=20
href=3D"http://www.easterseals.com/" =
target=3D_blank>www.easterseals.com


Prosthetics for Diabetics Foundation
323 Reed Way
Monroe, GA=20
30655
Phone: (770) 267-0019
Fax: (770) 395-7487
Internet: class=3Dart=20
href=3D"http://www.expage.com/page/pfdfoundation"=20
target=3D_blank>www.expage.com/page/pfdfoundation


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D12>

Classroom Services


Public agencies that provide assistance to children with diabetes and =
other=20
disabilities and to their families are listed on the State Resource =
Sheets=20
published by the National Dissemination Center for Children with =
Disabilities=20
(NICHCY). These free resource sheets, which list the names and addresses =
of=20
agencies in your state, are available by contacting:


NICHCY
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013
Phone:=20
1-800-695-0285
Fax: (202) 884-8441
Internet: href=3D"http://www.nichcy.org/" target=3D_blank>www.nichcy.org


College-age students who have diabetes-related disabilities may be =
faced not=20
only with the costs of tuition, but also with additional expenses =
generally not=20
incurred by other students. These costs may include special equipment =
and=20
disability-related medical expenses not covered by insurance. Some =
special=20
equipment and support services may be available at the institution, =
through=20
community organizations, through the state vocational rehabilitation =
agency, or=20
through specific disability organizations. The names and addresses of =
these and=20
other agencies are also listed in the State Resource Sheets.


You can apply for financial aid at the financial aid office of the=20
institution you plan to attend. A free copy of the booklet Funding =
Your=20
Education is available from the U.S. Department of Education by =
writing=20
to


Federal Student Aid Programs
P.O. Box 84
Washington, DC=20
20044-0084
Phone: 1-800-433-3243
Internet: href=3D"http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/FYE/index.html"=20
target=3D_blank>http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/FYE/index.=
html


The HEATH Resource Center (National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary =
Education=20
for Individuals with Disabilities) offers information on sources of =
financial=20
aid and the education of students with a disability. Contact:


The George Washington University
HEATH Resource Center
2121 K =
Street=20
NW., Suite 220
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 1-800-544-3284
Fax: =
(202)=20
973-0908
Email: href=3D"mailto:askheath@gwu.edu">askheath@gwu.edu
Internet: class=3Dart=20
href=3D"http://www.heath.gwu.edu/" =
target=3D_blank>www.heath.gwu.edu


Information on grants that are available to individuals for financing =
higher=20
education is available at the following nonprofit organization's =
library:


The Foundation Center
79 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY =
10003
Phone:=20
(212) 620-4230
Fax: (212) 691-1828
Internet: href=3D"http://www.fdncenter.org/" =
target=3D_blank>www.fdncenter.org


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name=3D13>

Technological Assistance


Assistive technology, which can help people with disabilities =
function more=20
effectively at home, at work, and in the community, can include =
computers,=20
adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, bathroom modifications, and medical or=20
corrective services. The following organizations provide information, =
awareness,=20
and training in the use of technology to aid people with =
disabilities:


Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
1304 Southpoint Boulevard, =
Suite=20
240
Petaluma, CA 94954
Phone: (707) 778-3011
Email: class=3Dart=20
href=3D"mailto:ATAinfo@ATAccess.org">ATAinfo@ATAccess.org
Internet=
: class=3Dart href=3D"http://www.ataccess.org/" =
target=3D_blank>www.ataccess.org


UCP (a.k.a. United Cerebral Palsy)
1660 L Street NW., Suite=20
700
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 1-800-872-5827
or (202)=20
776-0406
Fax: (202) 776-0414
Email: href=3D"mailto:webmaster@ucp.org">webmaster@ucp.org
Internet: class=3Dart=20
href=3D"http://www.ucp.org/ucp_channelsub.cfm/1/14/86"=20
target=3D_blank>www.ucp.org/ucp_channelsub.cfm/1/14/86


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D14>

Food and Nutrition


Food, nutrition education, and access to health care services are =
also=20
available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's WIC (Women, =
Infants, and=20
Children) program. Pregnant women who meet residential, financial need, =
and=20
nutrition risk criteria are eligible for assistance. Gestational =
diabetes is=20
considered a medically based nutrition risk and would qualify a woman =
for=20
assistance through the WIC program if she meets the financial need =
requirements=20
and has lived in a particular state the required amount of time. The WIC =
website=20
provides a page of contact information for each state and Indian tribe, =
or you=20
can contact the national headquarters at the following address:


WIC at FNS Headquarters:
Supplemental Food Programs =
Division
Food and=20
Nutrition Service--USDA
3101 Park Center Drive
Alexandria, VA=20
22302
Phone: (703) 305-2746
Internet: href=3D"http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic" =
target=3D_blank>www.fns.usda.gov/wic


[ href=3D"http://www.billend.com/daily/a1204041.htm#top">Top]

name=3D15>

Local Resources


Finally, for help in financing some of the many expenses related to =
diabetes,=20
you may also want to seek out available local resources, such as the =
following=20
charitable groups:



  • Lions Clubs International, which can help with vision care


  • Rotary Clubs, which provide humanitarian and educational=20
    assistance


  • Elks Clubs, which provide charitable activities that benefit youth =
    and=20
    veterans


  • Shriners, which offer need-based treatment for children at =
    Shriners=20
    hospitals throughout the country


  • Kiwanis Clubs, which conduct fund-raising events and projects to =
    help the=20
    community and especially children


  • religious organizations


In many areas, nonprofit or special interest groups such as those =
listed=20
above can sometimes provide financial assistance or help with =
fund-raising. In=20
addition, some local governments may have special trusts set up to help =
people=20
in need. You can find out more about such groups at your local library =
or your=20
local city or county government's health and human services office.


Note: This information was accurate as of August =
2004.=20
Contact each organization directly for the most up-to-date=20
information.



------=_NextPart_000_0081_01C4DB2D.E26AAE30--



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