Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund: When your child’s medical problems become financial problems.

Are you eligible for financial relief?

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund was established as a financial resource to help New Jersey families cope with uncovered medical expenses for their children. Any New Jersey, regardless of income-whether insured or uninsured-may be eligible for assistance.

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission reviews income and expenses for a prior consecutive 12-month period in which the expenses were incurred. Eligibility requirements:

*Child was 21 years of age or younger when expenses incurred.

*Uncovered medical expenses incurred exceeded 10 percent of the first $100,000 of a family’s annual income, plus 15 percent of income over $100,000.

*Child’s parents or legal guardian have been residents of New Jersey for at least three months prior to submitting an application. Temporary residents are not eligible.

What expenses are eligible?

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund considers a wide range of health and medical expenses, including services that traditional health insurance may not cover. There are no specific exclusions by diagnosis.

The following list provides examples of the types of incurred expenses that will be considered and may be eligible for payment/reimbursement. The categories include, but are not limited to:

*Specialized pediatric ambulatory care.

*Treatment for addictions/mental health services.

*Care in acute or specialized hospitals (in and out patient).

*Physician care in all settings.

*Durable medical equipment or disposable medical supplies.

*Pharmaceuticals

*Home Modifications and medical transportation.

*Home Health Care

How do you Apply?

*Call the toll-free Family Information Line at 800-335-FUND (3863) for information and to request an application.

*Go to WWW.NJ.CATASTROPHICFND.ORG and begin the application process on line.

*The completed application is forwarded to the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission for screening and review. All applications to the Fund are confidential.

*The Commission will review the application and determine eligibility and the amount of assistance.

*The Fund disburses approved grant awards directly to the providers to offset outstanding balances.

*The Fund may reimburse families for their out-of-pocket expenses.

Help with Medical bills. Hope for NJ families. The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund provides a financial safety net for New Jersey families overwhelmed by medical expenses that are not fully covered by insurance, state or federal programs or any other resource.

How Can You Reach the Fund?

Executive Director

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

P.O. Box 728

Trenton, NJ  08625-0700

(609) 292-0600

Family Information Line:

1-800-335-FUND (3863)

http://www.njcatastrophicfund.org

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund is a dedicated, revolving, non-lapsing trust fund. The program was established through legislation in 1988 (PL 1987C370) to be financial resource for NJ families struggling with their child’s medical bills. The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission administers the Fund.

*Disclaimer: this information is taken directly from the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund pamphlet. I have not used the service so I have no opinion on it either yes or no, to how the service performs. Please call or email them for more information.