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Assistance for Diabetes in Children

The cost of diabetes care can be staggering. Multiple types of insulin, glucometers to check blood glucose levels, glucometer strips, lancets and syringes are just some of the basic items a diabetic needs to maintain good health. To help ease the burden of these costs, several groups and foundations have been formed to help diabetic children get the supplies they need to stay healthy.

  1. The Diabetes Hope Foundation

    • The Diabetes Hope Foundation is based in Ontario, Canada. It provides diabetic medical assistance all over Canada. This program is only available to children who live in families who do not have third party health coverage and who are unable to provide the supplies and medicine needed to treat diabetes. The Diabetes Hope Foundation runs its programs by receiving donations. They do not receive funding from the Canadian government.

    The State Children's Health Insurance Program

    • The State Children's Health Insurance Program provides low-cost coverage to children younger than the age of 19. This program is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the United States. Qualification is based on a family's gross income and family size. Doctor's visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations are included in this coverage. The rules of the coverage can differ from state to state and some limitations apply.

    American Diabetes Wholesale

    • American Diabetes Wholesale provides traditional diabetes supplies as well as insulin pump supplies. Uninsured children younger than 18, and full-time college students between 18 and 20 with type 1 diabetes are qualified for this program. Recertified Animas brand insulin pumps can be supplied with this coverage as well as comfort quilts for diabetic children.

    Time Frame

    • Many applications for assistance take up to at least 30 days after all medical paperwork as been completed by the doctor, and the applicant. This time frame can vary from program to program. Once the application has been processed, and approved, the applicant will receive an approval letter stating when the assistance will begin.

    Significance

    • Many families do not have health insurance, or have coverage that does not cover enough supplies or medicine. Doctors visits and hospitalization are very costly. The cost of basic diabetes supplies and insulin can reach up to $300 per month in some cases. These programs provide a much needed service for diabetic children and their families.

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