Financial Resources
We believe autism therapy should be accessible to all those who need it. Unfortunately, we know that finances too often pose a barrier between families and the services they seek. To help more families access needed therapy, our Therapy Assistance Grant Program offers financial aid to cover out-of-pocket therapy costs and/or insurance premiums for a full calendar year. Applications are typically available in late August, and are due in early October.
Below is a list of financial supports available year round:
Supplemental Security Income for Children (SSI) - Children under age 18 can get SSI if they meet Social Security's definition of disability for children and there are limited income and resources in the household. Social Security defines a disability as:
The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death. A state agency makes the disability decision. They review the information you give us. They will also ask for information from medical and school sources and other people familiar with the child’s condition(s).
United Healthcare Children’s Foundation - offers grants to help cover out-of-pocket costs for medical conditions, including autism. (Must have a tax return as proof of income)
Healthwell Foundation - offers financial assistance to help cover insurance premiums, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs. (Apply under Pediatric Assistance Fund)
Small Steps in Speech - offers quarterly financial assistance to help cover out of pocket speech therapy expenses for kids ages 3-22.
Autism Care Today - offers financial grants to help cover various needs for families affected by autism.
HIPP Grant (Health Insurance Premium Payment)
This is a wonderful, but lesser-known program run by the state of Illinois that will reimburse the cost of private insurance premiums (purchased through your employer or through the Marketplace) for those with medicaid.
In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
be currently enrolled in medicaid,
have private insurance (through employer or ACA)
be cost effective (monthly expenditure on health costs must be 2.5x greater than your monthly premium. For example if your monthly private insurance premium is $400, the combined cost of all therapy and medical treatment would need to be $1,000/month or greater. With therapy typically charging at least $80/hr, you would need to get at least 13 hours of therapy a month to be eligible - and we know that intensive therapy can easily rack up more than 25 hours a week).
be able to show 6 months of EOBs (Explanation of Benefits - the statements from your insurance showing the cost of your care) demonstrating that you are cost effective.
For many families, you will need to first purchase a Marketplace plan and receive 6 months of therapy before you will be eligible to apply (so you will have 6 months of EOBs to show). Once you do qualify, you need to submit the following items:
A complete application (click left to download),
A copy of your medical diagnosis,
A copy of your insurance card, (front and back)
6 months of EOB’s (the office said, it is possible if you provide them with your online portal login information, they could look up this information so you don’t have to scan/fax/copy all of it)
A copy of your insurance policy booklet (showing what is covered by your insurance)
The above items can be submitted via email to hfs.boc.hipp@illinois.gov or mailed to
HFS/HIPP Unit
PO Box 19149
Springfield, IL 62794
For more information on this grant, you can call the main office at (217) 524-8268 or email hfs.boc.hipp@illinois.gov.
Respite Support
Clearbrook offers vouchers to help you cover programs that offer short term relief for caregivers in . This allocation of funds can be used for either direct care support staff, hired and paid by the family, or special recreation programs. The family is reimbursed on a monthly basis through direct deposit. Applications are available at https://www.clearbrook.org/respite/