Social Security

I have applied for Social Security for MaKenna but have been denied because of family income.  However, one of my friends told me last week that his son may be eligible for money each month due to being born with a low birth weight.  Not sure of the details, but I will be looking into this funding source as soon as I can.  I have been told that going into the Social Security office in person to get better service.  I know that calling the Washington DC number isn't a fun or fruitful experience (and this is remembering a phone call that occurred over 4 years ago!).  I think they have to do a security check when you go in, so be prepared for that, travel lightly as if going to the DMV for your driver's license or car registration.  Also, bring your child's and your social security cards just to be safe, they will probably want to see those.

Respite Care for the family

Your service coordinator through Infant Toddler can get your family approved for paid Respite Care. It is another frustrating process as it takes soooo long to get the babysitter paid, but you can use funding set aside for your child for respite care. Which is a nice option. This is until they are 3, then you can get respite funding through the Family Directed Medicaid option or the agency (see post on Children's Redesign below). I liked the Family Directed because then we pick who is babysitting, rather than letting the agency do that. There is a mom in Idaho Falls who told me about this funding system and she has her daughter with an agency. She is very happy with the service providers and it is great for their family. We had a family friend who said that she wouldn't mind helping take MaKenna out into the community for us. That seems like a better fit for us for now. You can chose one option, then change your mind, and chose the other option. That is my favorite part! Flexibility and control!

Children’s Redesign and Family Directed Services

This is for after our children turn 3 years old.  Extra funds from Medicaid.  It is another hoop-filled process, but more money from the state.  You can call the Idaho Care Line to get in touch with the Health and Welfare department to see how much additional funding your child could be eligible for.  These funds can be used (upon approval) for ramps for your house, alarm systems for your house, bathroom modifications, etc.  Things that help your child stay at home for you to care for them rather than becoming a ward of the state (I guess that is what it would be called), so your child does not need to be institutionalized.

Here is the website:
www.redesignforchildren.medicaid.idaho.gov

Katie Beckett Medicaid Cost Sharing Program

I didn't know that it was optional for the longest time. I was paying for it out of our flex account through my husband's insurance through his work and then about the fourth "Bill" for installment, it said at the bottom "call this number to opt out". Of course I called the number and then realized that it is a VOLUNTARY program. So of course I opted out once I knew I could do so with no repercussions!

Free Food: WIC

Once you receive approval for Katie Beckett Medicaid, your child is eligible for free food from the WIC office.  Women, Infants, Children provide food vouchers to those on Medicaid.  Your family may not be eligible, but your child who is on Medicaid is eligible for WIC until age 5.  This can add over $50 of free funds to your monthly grocery bill, just depends on the items that you purchase with your WIC checks and the cost of those items.  Call the Idaho Care Line at 2-1-1 for WIC contact information.