How Do We Get Financial And Medical Help With Our Family's Special Needs?

Finances are often a worry for families of children with special health care or developmental needs.  In California there are agencies that assist families with funding for medical services and others which can provide help with other financial concerns.

Speak with your hospital social worker, patient representative or your doctor about applying for any of the programs that may be appropriate for your family. You can also speak with your Alta service coordinator or call WarmLine for more information.

All of the funding sources listed may help with medical care after a child goes home from the hospital, although some funding may be limited to specific services. It will be helpful to discuss your baby's medical needs at home as soon as a clear plan is developed, even while your baby is still hospitalized. While discussing medical follow-up or equipment needs, please speak with your doctor, social worker, nurse or discharge coordinator about financial coverage. 

CCS is a statewide program for specialized medical care and rehabilitation for children who have a medically eligible diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is established, families must meet income guidelines to qualify for assistance; however, occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are not income dependent. CCS funding is also available to families who have some types of insurance and Medi-Cal. Your doctor or hospital may already have referred your baby to CCS. If not, you may call the telephone number(s) listed below for more information.

Both the State of California and the federal government offer programs that allow a parent to take up to six weeks of (paid or unpaid) time off work to care for a family member who has a serious medical condition. Eash has different requirements, so it is advisable to investigate both programs.

California Employment Development Department:
(877) 238-4373  or www.edd.ca.gov

US Department of Labor    www.dol.gov

Labor Project for Working Families www.paidfamilyleave.org

Healthy Families provides health and dental care for low-income children under the age of 19 whose families have incomes above the eligibility for Medi-Cal. The program does have an immigration status requirement. Children who are enrolled in Medi-Cal or have employer-sponsored coverage do not qualify.


Call (800) 880-5305 or download an application at www.healthyfamilies.org

Children who have extraordinary care requirements at home may be eligible for IHSS. This is funding given to your family to supplement your income if you are caring for your baby full-time and it may be used to hire a part-time caregiver. There are income requirements.

If your family's income is within certain guidelines, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal. This provides financial assistance for regular check-ups and special medical care. You may be eligible for both Medi-Cal and CCS. Your hospital or CCS representative can give you more information.

A person can qualify for a parking placard if certain medical and/or mobility conditions exist. Your baby, who requires extra equipment such as oxygen may qualify for a parking ("disabled") placard.

To apply for the Disabled Placard or License Plate:

• Download the "Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates" fromwww.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg195.pdf
• Have doctor sign the disability certification
• Mail the completed application to the addresss indicated on the form.  For a temporary placard, include a $6 fee.
• Or, make an appointment at a local DMV office to deliver the application in person

          (800) 777-0133

If your baby has a disability that will last more than one year, he or she may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If your baby is found eligible you may receive financial support. The amount is dependent upon family income. Your baby will also receive Medi-Cal under SSI.

• Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213 or www.ssa.gov

TANF may provide eligible applicants with financial assistance (food stamps, etc.).  Incomemust fall within established guidelines based on family size.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has a Medical Baseline Program which can provide additional quantities of energy at the lowest (baseline) price to residential customers with certain medical conditions.

Customers dependent on life-support equipment and those with special heating or cooling needs may be eligible to receive a standard medical baseline rate.

For more information or to print an application to: www.pge.com/myhome/customer service/financialassistance/medicalbaseline/howtoapply/ or call (800) 743-5000.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) also has a medical equipment discount rate. 

For more information or to print the application, so towww.smud.org/en/residential/services/Pages/medical-rate.aspx or call (888) 742-SMUD (7683 ) 

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, please call WarmLine Family Resource Center (WLFRC) at 916-922-9276 or 800-660-7995 with any information that will help make the next edition of this directory even better. Also, please note that numbers are listed under the county name; there is an additional listing for regional numbers whenever possible. 

Inclusion of a program or resource does not imply endorsement or recommendation by WarmLine.

2025 Hurley Way, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA  95825 : tel: 916-922-9276 or (800)-660-7995 fax: 916-922-9341
6960 Destiny Dr., Suite 106, Rocklin, CA  95677  tel: 916-632-2100  fax: 916-632-2103
907 3rd Street, Davis, CA  tel: 530-759-1127
Copyright ©2000 WarmLine Family Resource Center. 
The WarmLine is a public benefit, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization