Brady's Page

How Am I Going to Pay for This???

I’ll be brief in this entry, but I think this is something parents of children with autism dread: how am I going to pay for this?

I mean, we’ve preached early intervention, because research shows children who get an earlier start have a better chance at more normal devlopment. But here’s the thing...in Ohio the autism scholarship kicks in at age 3. So when Brady was diagnosed before his 2nd birthday, that meant we were going to have to pony up all our own money to last nearly an entire year. (By the way-Ohio is one of the best states in America to help with autism funding)

We were able to get some help through our Delaware MRDD and the HelpMeGrow program. Let’s just say, it’s far from enough. I’ll spend everything I have to help Brady. I’m sure most parents in our spot would do the same.

Among the stories I’ve heard recently: a parent emailed me and said she sold her house and moved in with her parents to help pay for therapy! Others have sold their cars, moved, changed jobs, etc just to give their kids a chance.

If you’re a parent searching for funding, how are you getting by?  Are there avenues for funding we’re not thinking of? Or, have you had success with your insurance company in paying for therapies?

I will make one point. I think it’s interesting that we preach super early intervention, yet funding to help families with therapy does not start until age 3. Is this something our state legislature should take up? I’m a realist, and the government is not made of money-maybe we just can’t afford to make that change. But it’s a good debate.

Let’s hear your thoughts and successes!

-jerod

Let’s also hope that H.B. 170 is passed. The Ohio House of Representatives is considering a bill that would prohibit health insurers from excluding insurance coverage for autism services. Every little bit can help.

We have just finished the diagnostic process with our son Brayden, and are now looking into the various therapy providers.  We were looking at the Autism Scholarship, but we would not be able to utilize our school district’s pre-school program if we chose to use the scholarship.  The scholarship would only cover $20,000 of the $40-60,000 it costs for most autism programs available here in Central Ohio.  For us, this is in no way, shape or form a possibility.  Our son will be getting therapy through school, and we are looking into utilizing the consultation program through Children’s Autism Center.  Luckily, our insurance does cover most of the procedure codes for autism, including therapy, but we have an HSA, so I know at the very least we will be responsible for the first $5,000 (my deductible), plus the cost of paying the aides that we may have to hire (anywhere from $9-15,000/year).  Our family is looking into using some of our 401k to help, but I don’t know what will happen once we’ve expended those funds.

Although I think it is great that the State of Ohio offers an autism scholarship, the reality is that most individuals cannot pay $40k a year to enroll their child in a program.  I wish the state had some assistance for individuals using home-based ABA therapy through a medical service provider (such as Children’s).  This way parents who cannot afford a specialized schooling program could utilize the programs through their school districts, along with the ABA program, which is the most well-researched, successful treatment for children with autism to date.

I can completely relate with your statements.  We too have considered trying to sell our house and move in with our parents.  We have also decided to cash in our 401K.  It is a really tough decision but we just can’t sit back and wait as our child seems to get sicker and sicker.  We know every day is precious and can never be regained once it is lost.  Because we are based in Franklin county, we are finding there is even less funding available through Help Me Grow, than with the other counties.  So we really are not getting much help there at all.  Basically, they have a list of goals for us to reach, but no help reaching them.  It is a tough spot to be in.  We feel like we have to give up so many of our dreams to fulfill the dreams we have for the quality of life for our sweet girl.  We will gladly do it for her but it is tough.  We keep praying that God will bless us with finances to get us through this with out us having to give up our home, and everything we have worked so hard for.  Please keep sharing as it does provide comfort through this storm.  We will keep you all in our prayers. You are both incredible parents, with a beautiful family. Thank you!