What's New

Chartbook on 2005/06 National Survey of CSHCN Now Available
This chartbook, now available in both online and hardcopy formats, provides national and state-level findings from the 2005-2006 National Survey of CSHCN. The chartbook reports that 10.2 million children in the United States have special health care needs; that number represents 14 percent of all U.S. children. More than a fifth of U.S. households with children have at least one child with special needs.

Visit the HRSA website to view the online version or contact the HRSA Information Center (1-888-ASK-HRSA) to order hardcopies.

Medical Assistance Grants from United HealthCare Announced
The United Healthcare Children's Foundation is offering support to meet the needs of children across the United States with assistance grants for medical services not fully covered by health insurance. Parents and caretakers across the country will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $5,000 for healthcare services that will help improve their children's health and quality of life. Examples of the types of medical services covered by UHCCF grants include speech therapy, physical therapy, and psychotherapy sessions; medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids, and eyeglasses; and orthodontia and dental treatments.

Any child 16 years old or younger living in any UnitedHealthcare region of the United States (all 50 states) and in need of financial assistance for healthcare services will be considered eligible for a grant. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the US, and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan.

Visit United Healthcare’s website to learn more about these grants.

Seeking Parent Input on Early Intervention and Early Childhood Services
The University of Connecticut is looking for parents of children ages birth to five years old who are receiving early intervention or early childhood special education services to complete a survey. This national survey has questions for parents about their child’s services and providers. The results of the survey will be used to prepare future service providers. If you are interested, click on one of the links below or click here for more information.

- Survey for Children Receiving Birth to Three (Part C) Services

- Survey for Children Receiving Three to Five (619) Services

Update on SCHIP - State Children's Health Insurance Program
Many states are now running short on SCHIP funding because new funding has not been authorized by Congress. For families of CYSHCN making more than 250% of FPL, SCHIP benefits are crucial as their out-of-pocket expenses are extremely high. Currently, the program is being funded at last year's funding levels. Due to inflation and the rising costs of health care, this always means substantially less money available to continue funding the program at current levels. This usually results in significant cut backs within the program. Congress will mostly likely consider new legislative approaches for SCHIP to stabilize funding for the program, despite several presidential vetos. Congress still hopes to develop a reauthorization for the SCHIP program that will not be vetoed. Be sure to check back here for updated information and check out the Legislative Action Center for ways in which you can make your voice heard on this issue!

The Family Voices 15th Anniversary Gala Celebration and National Conference was a great success!


What a great celebration of all the hard work that you and others have accomplished -- and continue to accomplish -- on behalf of families and children and youth with special health care needs. 
Check out the photos, materials, and more!