Children’s Benefits Access GuideMay 2, 2011 |
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 Parenting a child with disabilities has plenty of challenges, and navigating the complex world of healthcare benefits is certainly one of them. The difficulties are, of course, exacerbated for low-income families. Parents and medical professionals alike can easily be stymied by rules covering eligibilities, and may not often know what resources or services are available - or how to access them.The Children's Benefit Access Guide, posted online earlier this year by the Disability Rights Legal Center's Children's Benefits Access Project for Los Angeles County, is an interactive roadmap of Medi-Cal and the other governmental programs responsible for providing services to low-income children with disabilities. The Project, funded by First 5 LA partner L.A. Care Health Plan, aims to educate both families and health care providers about these services. Project Director Audrey Kraus said the 210-page Guide is unique because it was developed through extensive interviews of parents and professionals, as well as research of laws, policy guidelines and public records. "We really listened and tried to include things people talked about," Kraus said. For example, parents often spoke about not understanding a program, or realizing that their child was eligible for it, until he or she was older. "They're upset about the time lost," she said. "And that they could have got more support." Besides connecting disabled children and their health care providers to health plans, community clinics, regional centers and other agencies, Kraus said she hopes the Guide will improve coordination and communication between all these entities, and, ultimately, lead to improved health care for children with disabilities. The DRLC will provide training on the Guide to health care professionals and other related organizations and professionals who are interested. To schedule training, please contact Kraus at Audrey.Kraus@lls.edu. |
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