| We've included helpful contact information to government programs and nonprofit organizations that may financially assist with the care of mulitply handicapped or profoundly deaf children in the Houston area. |
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| Texas
Department of Insurance - website |
Helps parents of children with disabilities who have insurance
problems. |
| Health Insurance Premium Payment Reimbursement Program (HIPP)
- 800-440-0493 and 512-418-2431 |
HIPP is a Medicaid program that pays the cost of insurance
premiums, co-insurance, deductibles and other cost sharing. |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - 800-772-1213 |
Supplemental Security Income provides monthly assistance
for children with disabilities. The amount paid is based on
your family income, the number of people in you family and
the severity of the disability. |
| SSI for Low-Weight and Premature Infants |
Many very low birth-weight babies and premature infants can
be eligible for SSI benefits and Medicaid from the date of
"Intent to File" to the date of discharge from the hospital.
The people answering the 800 number may not be familiar with
this program, so rely on your local Social Security Administration
office for help. During your first call,, state your "intent
to file" for benefits. This will give you the earliest possible
eligibility date. |
| Texas
Department of Human Services - 713-767-2000 - website |
Title XIX of the Social Security Act provides certain medical
benefits for families with low income of people with disabilities.
To qualify for Medicaid in Texas, your child must meet certain
requirements. |
| STAR Program (Medicaid Managed Care) |
Mothers and children in Harris and surrounding counties who
qualify for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF, formerly
known as AFDC) receive their Medicaid benefits through the
Medicaid Managed Care program know as STAR. |
| Texas Health Steps - 877-TH-STEPS |
If your child qualifies for Medicaid, the child also qualifies
for Texas health Steps, which provides free medical screening
exams and dental services.
Texas Children's Hospital - 713-770-2400
Medco Medical & Hospital Supply - 800-245-3816 |
| Comprehensive Care Program (CCP) |
The CCP is an extension of Texas Health Steps for children
under age 21. Services not normally covered by Medicaid can
be covered if you medical provider obtains prior authorization
or can document on the claim form that a medical necessity
requires the services or equipment. Examples of some covered
services include prescription for children under 21, RN or
LVN services, medically necessary supplies such as equipment
of tube feeding, diapers for older children, and therapy services. |
| Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH) |
| 713-917-0062 |
The mission of TCDHH is to eliminate communication barriers
and guarantee equal access. THe Commission provides communication
acess, information and referral and an early intervention program |
| Women Infant Children Program (WIC) 800-942-3678 |
WIC is a nutritional education program that provides free
supplemental foods for infants and children up to age 5. To
qualify, your child must be considered nutritionally at risk
and meet their liberal income guidelines. |
