One of the first things you realize when you find out that you have a child with a hearing impairment is that it will mean a lot of added and unexpected expense. Some families are better able to cope with this extra expenses than others, but there is help available. Although we have been extremely blessed to have some resources and a supportive family to help,  we want to share what resources we have found that can help those of you who find the extra expense a financial burden. I am sure there are many that we have not listed, but these are the ones we have had some experience. 

However, the most important thing I want you to know is that you should fight for what is best for your child. There are a lot of caring people in this field and they will help you find the resources to make sure your child succeeds. If you put forth the effort and demand the best for your child you will find doors start to open.

Babies Can't Wait

This state funded organization helps families with children with special needs that are ages 0-3 years of age. They can provide a variety of services for the families. We find them to be very helpful, but limited in their knowledge of cochlear implants and auditory-verbal therapy. They have helped us financially with the following:

*Travel expenses associated with doctor visits and weekly therapy sessions.

*They used to pay a portion of the cost of our hour long weekly therapy sessions. 

Children's Medical Services

Once Laney turned three years of age we were no longer eligible for any help through Babies Can't Wait, but we were able to get help through Children's Medical Services (In our county CMS is in the same building with Babies Can't Wait. CMS is another state funded organization that help fund all types of medical services for children. Eligibility is based on income. They have helped with a portion of Laney's therapy cost. 

Medicaid

Most children born profoundly death qualify for Medicaid through what is know as the Katie-Beckett Waiver without regard to the parents income. I have heard of families that have had problems with getting this approved, but luckily so far we have had no problems. This has allowed all of Laney's medical expenses to be paid 100%. It paid for Laney's surgery. Battles have been fought by parents in the past to get Medicaid to pay for the surgery and we did not have a problem.

Medicaid Update: Laney was kicked off of Medicaid at the beginning of 2006. The use of the Katie-Beckett Waiver is being redefined a lot more narrower than in the past. I think for the foreseeable future Medicaid is probably not an option for deaf children anymore unless you meet the income requirements.

Georgia Pines

Although we never actually used any of their services. We had found out that they will loan families hearing-aids. Once we enrolled at the Auditory-Verbal Center of Atlanta they took care of all our needs with the hearing-aids.