Children with special health care needs experience higher costs under a high-deductible plan than with conventional insurance.

High-deductible health plans seem like a good deal because they have lower premiums (the cost you pay to get the insurance). Beware the trade-off. The low up-front cost means when your child needs medical care, you’ll pay more out-of-pocket before your plan picks up any of the cost. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Because the ill pay more than the healthy under HDHPs, families with children with special health care needs bear an increased cost burden in this model.” Read the full article in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics.

So, what can you do if you have a high-deductible health plan? Call us at (800) 322-3722. Our care coordinators work closely with our Benefits Management Team to maximize the benefits of health plans and get your child the healthcare needed.

Researchers observe parents with their children, and their devices.

A recent broadcast on National Public Radio put an interesting twist on a commonly discussed topic – device distraction. We typically hear parents complain their kids are disengaged because they spend too much time on their smartphone, tablet, you name the gadget. A researcher observed parents out to dinner with their children, specifically looking for device usage. The observations may surprise you.

As a parent of a child with special needs, you may spend a lot of time online looking for information. We just might have exactly what you’re looking for. Even if we don’t, we’ll try to find the information. Give us a call at (800) 322-3722 or send a message through Contact Us.

Read the full article on NPR’s website.

Meet other families caring for people with spina bifida.

The Illinois Spina Bifida Association and Children’s Hospital of Illinois are launching a support group beginning Monday, April 14, 2014 from 4:00pm – 6:oopm. Food and refreshment are provided and children are welcome.

420 NE Glen Oak
Suite 201
Peoria, IL 61603

RSVP to (773) 444-0305 or info@i-sba.org.

Children learn how to ride a traditional two-wheel bicycle.

Many children who haven’t been able to ride a bike in the past have completed this program. In fact, 80% of participants successfully complete the program. Organizers say the new riders gain self-esteem and confidence and feel more included with their friends. This program serves the Bloomington area.

For additional information, contact (309) 686-1177 x5230 or twellenreiter@ci.easterseals.com.

Everyone is welcome to a warm meal.

Knox Prairie Community Kitchen and various sponsors bring free meals to Galesburg and surrounding communities.

April 10th & 24th
May 8th & 22nd
June 5th & 19th

Doors open at 5:15pm
Dinner served 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Central Congregational Church
60 Public Square
Galesburg, IL 61448

For additional information, call (309) 335-3544.

Program seeks to train 12,500 volunteer respite workers.

The Respite Education and Support Tools Program (REST) partnered with Illinois Department of Human Services to train thousands of volunteer respite workers. Respite workers relieve family members who care for their loved ones in the home. Read the full REST news article.

Need to find a program or service when Specialized Care for Children is closed? Dial 211.

Trained staff from United Way and PATH Crisis Center are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to connect you with free health and human services in your community. The service utilizes foreign language assistance to provide support to callers in hundreds of languages. Call 211 to ask about rent and utility assistance, food pantries, disability services, shelter, counseling, and more. 211 is now available in Champaign and Vermillion Counties.

Local heroes have a chance to win a custom van by sharing their story.

A national campaign seeks to broaden awareness of transportation options. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association will award 3 wheelchair accessible vans, customized to meet the needs of each winner.

If you or someone you know has overcome challenges of living with a disability, tell your story. Story submission and voting closes May 9, 2014.

For additional information, visit the website.

Find out about programs from the Chicago Park District.

Chicago parks have over 20 specialty locations and special recreation programs for people who have physical or intellectual disabilities, who are blind or visually impaired, or who are deaf or hard of hearing.

View the Winter/Spring 2014 Special Recreation Program Guide.

The Social Security Administration is changing the way you access information.

Starting August 2014, field offices will not issue Social Security number printouts. If you need proof of your number, your will need to apply for a replacement card.

Starting October 2014, field offices will not provide benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations. Benefit verification will be accessed online or requested by calling (800) 772-1213.