Grants available for children's health care

LAS VEGAS - The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is currently accepting grant applications from families in need of financial support for child health care treatment, services or equipment not covered or not fully covered by their health insurance benefit plans.

UHCCF provides medical grants to qualified families enrolled in employer-sponsored health coverage, or who have purchased an individual policy, to help pay for child health care services such as speech, physical or occupational therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, orthotics and hearing aids.  In 2008, UHCCF helped nearly 600 children nationwide whose families were struggling to pay their share of the cost of medically-related services and equipment.

"Contributions from UnitedHealth Group employees and people across the country have enabled the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation to help hundreds more children improve their health and quality of life," said UHCCF President Matt Peterson.  "Our goal is to grow the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation grant program so we can assist more families access additional health care services."

Parents and legal guardians may apply for grants of up to $5,000 for child medical services and equipment by completing an online application at www.uhccf.org.  The Web site also has grant-application criteria, video clips and stories about recently helped children.  In addition, visitors can make tax-deductible donations directly online.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger.  Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and be covered by a commercial health benefit plan.

UHCCF is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) public charity that strives to enhance either the clinical condition or quality of life of children who have health care needs not fully covered by their commercial health benefit plan.  UHCCF provides medical grants of up to $5,000 for costs associated with medical services and equipment.  UHCCF's funding is provided by contributions from individuals, corporations and UnitedHealth Group employees.  Donations to help provide assistance are deeply appreciated. To donate or learn more, please visit www.uhccf.org.