Have a Special Needs Child? Get Products like Diapers and Pediasure for Free

Alicia Bodine, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Sep 19, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Having a special needs child can be quite expensive. In fact I know many families who have a difficult time keeping up with all the extra medical expenses. My daughter, Noel, is almost 6 years old now and she has Angelman Syndrome. That is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that pretty much affects everything. I don't expect her to be potty trained and she will need assistive devices as she grows up. Many people know they can get special equipment for their children through their insurance company, but they are not aware they can get common everyday items free as well. I will tell you how to do just that.

If you have a special needs child like I do who can't be potty trained, then you can get free diapers. Once your child turns 3 years old the diapers become classified as a medical necessity (if that child has a medical reason they cannot be potty trained). My daughter is classified as severely mentally retarded although most people who see her wouldn't think so. This qualifies her to receive diapers for free. You need to contact your insurance company and find out who your child's caseworker is. I had no idea my daughter had a caseworker until I called up to inquire about this. Someone had told me I could just like I am telling you now. Otherwise I would still be paying for the diapers. Once I called the insurance company they told me I had to go through a disabilities health alliance and that I had a case worker. You see insurance companies will never contact you and say you are eligible for services. You just have to find out for yourself. I guess they save money by keeping people in the dark.

So I contacted the lady who faxed the doctor a form. Once the doctor filled it out I was set up with a company (Huggies at first). That company asked how many diapers I used in a day. I told them and then they set up cases to be delivered to my house automatically at the first of each month. When your child grows to the next size just give them a call and they will up the size. It really has been easy (unlike getting my equipment). I get close to $300 in diapers delivered to my door for free each month.

I also found out from the nurse that I could get my daughters Pediasure for free and delivered right to my door. Pediasure costs about $2 per can. I get 72 cans each month, which comes out to $144. Again there must be a medical reason for it. My daughter's weight is on the skinny side and she also can't chew and swallow well enough to each fresh fruits and veggies (only canned soft ones). So she qualified. If you have a good doctor that knows your situation they can work with you and help you find the right medical term to qualify you.

If you think you may be using a product that would be considered a medical necessity call your insurance company right away. You could have diapers and Pediasure delivered to your door in as little as 2 days. Don't be afraid to call your insurance company and request a caseworker for you child. That is their job and they should be willing to help you get what you are entitled too.

Published by Alicia Bodine

I am a single stay at home mom of 2 girls. My youngest has Angelman Syndrome so I had to learn how to work from home. I enjoy writing and using the programs on my blog http://paidtowrite.blogspot.com. Fee... View profile

Have a Special Needs Child? Get Products like Diapers and Pediasure for Free

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