Many families find the biggest barrier to getting services for their children is the cost of these services. Assistive technology, therapy, health care, medications, transportation and support services can sometimes cost as much as a family’s monthly income. Organizations and programs that offer financial assistance can help families who do not have enough money to pay for the services they need in several ways. Some organizations offer sliding scale fees, which are fees that are adjusted based upon a family’s income level. Other organizations distribute cash grants or vouchers to families, which is like sending a check to a family to cover the cost of a service. Be aware that such a grant may affect eligibility for another type of financial assistance, government benefits, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Income, Food Stamps, and Subsidized Housing. Finally, some organizations offer subsidies, which are partial or full payments for a service from the organization to the service provider.
It is helpful to understand the differences between SSI and SSDI, and Medicaid and Medicare. SSI is a cash payment to children or adults with disabilities who are poor and have little savings. SSDI is an insurance payment to children or adults with disabilities who have worked, or whose parents are disabled, widowed, or retired. People who receive SSDI are allowed to have assets and other financial resources. Sometimes, a person with a disability can receive both of these benefits. To qualify for these benefits, a person with a disability must be unable to work. If a person gets a job while receiving benefits, he or she must contact the Social Security Administration, because the job may affect his or her monthly benefit payment. The Social Security Administration offers several programs called work incentives to help people earn money at work without immediately losing benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid or Medicare. For more information check out www.ssa.gov
For tips and informatiion on how to complete Social Security's Disability Report click on www.ssa.gov/disabilityformhelp
Medicaid is the health insurance program for people with disabilities who have low incomes. In Virginia, the Medicaid program is a health maintenance organization. Medicaid covers routine health care visits, dental care up to age 21, hospitalizations, nursing facility care, medications, some types of medical supplies and equipment, certain kinds of therapy, and certain other medical services. For more information visit the federal Medicaid website at www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/mcaicnsm.htm.
For information about Medicaid in plain, simple language, visit TheDesk.info, an accessible site, geared to people with cognitive disabilities. The content for this Web site, designed by advocates and consumers, was tailored with the assistance of people who are in the Medicaid system.
Medicare is the health insurance program for older adults with disabilities. Medicare has two parts- hospital insurance and medical insurance. Hospital insurance provides coverage of inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facilities, home health services and hospice care. Medical insurance helps pay for the cost of physician services, outpatient hospital services, medical equipment and supplies and other health services and supplies. Qualified individuals can enroll in Medicare by completing an application form at their local Social Security Administration office.
Medicaid Waiver Services are health care, residential, vocational, in-home support, respite, technology, personal assistance and transportation services that people with specific disabilities can receive as an alternative to placement in a state institution or nursing home. The type of services offered depends on the person’s age and disability. For more information contact your local Community Services Board or the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services at (804) 786-5850 or visit their website at www.dmhmrsas.state.va.us/mrfolder/mr_waiverintro.htm.
For information about Medicaid in plain, simple language, visit TheDesk.info, an accessible site, geared to people with cognitive disabilities. The content for this Web site, desined by advocates and consumers, was tailored with the assistance of people who are in the Medicaid system.
Arlington Department of Human Services
Public Assistance Program
3033 Wilson Blvd. Suite 700-A Arlington, Virginia 22201
Phone: 703-228-1300
Fax: 703-228-1788
Email: dhs@arlingtonva.us
Web site: Arlingtonva.us
Alexandria Department of Human Services
Public Assistance Program
Web site: www.alexandriava.gov/
Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA)
1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 107 Richmond, Virginia 23229
Phone: 804-662-9000
Fax: 804-662-9533
Email: atlfa@atlfa.org
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: 703-324-7800
TTY: 703-222-9452
Fax: 703-222-9487
Web site: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/
Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disABILITIES
George Mason University 4400 University Drive, MS 1F2 Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-993-3670
TTY: 703-993-3670
Fax: 703-993-3681
Web site: kihd.gmu.edu/
Fairfax County Family Support Program
Phone: 703-324-4469
TTY: 703-324-4495
Fax: 703-322-1518
Knights of Virginia Assistance for the Retarded (KOVAR)
Address: 12962 Dunbarton Drive Bristow, VA 20136
Phone: 1-800-22-KOVAR
E-mail: info@kovarva.org
Web site: www.kovarva.com
Virginia Department of Social Services
Virginia Caregivers Grant Program
Phone: 1-877-648-2817
Web site: www.dss.virginia.gov/
