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Insurance

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Overview

Health insurance is the starting point for funding the supports and services our kids need, so it’s vital to understand what’s covered and how we can make the most of our benefits.

How do I maximize my benefits?

Learn everything you can about your plan and stay organized.
Many health plans turn over with the end of each calendar year, while others follow a schedule determined by an employer. Check out our article on monthly premiums and annual deductibles to learn how to think through your plan choices.
Whenever your new plan year begins, it’s a good opportunity to review your benefits and coverage, limitations, timelines for filing claims, and more.

Contents

Overview

How do I maximize my benefits?

Where can I find in-network therapists for my child?

What can I do if my insurance claim gets denied?

Who pays if insurance won’t?

Insurance Basics

How to Review Your Health Plan Benefits & Coverage

Insurance Claim Denials and Appeals 101

Monthly Premiums & Annual Deductibles: Planning for the Year Ahead

Explanation of Benefits 101

Out-of-Network Superbills 101

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) 101

Medi-Cal

How to Use Medi-Cal as Secondary Insurance

The Medi-Cal Appeal Process

Making the Most of Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal 101

Medi-Cal’s Institutional Deeming Waiver 101

Latest Resources

Parent Question

Do I need to notify Medi-Cal if I lose or switch private insurance?

Parent Question

Can I drop private insurance and just use Medi-Cal for my child?

Parent Question

Will insurance pay for a service dog for my child?

Parent Question

Will insurance pay for ABA in my child's private school?

Parent Question

How do I get an insurance denial letter?

Video Clip

Tips for Tackling Insurance

Video Clip

What if Insurance Denies Your Request for a Certain Provider for Your Child?

Video Clip

What If a Provider You Want Is Out-of-Network?

Video Clip

How Does Your Insurance Plan Impact the Team You Build?

Video Clip

Top 3 tips to utilize Medi-Cal as secondary insurance in 2023

Video Clip

What Are the Biggest Issues Occurring with the 2023 Medi-Cal Changes?

Video Clip

What is the biggest change happening for Medi-Cal in 2023?

Parent Question

Where can I find a wheelchair or other DME for my child?

Parent Question

How do I get DME for my child faster?

Parent Question

What if Medi-Cal denies my child's DME?

Parent Question

What is durable medical equipment (DME)?

Video Clip

What is an independent medical review?

Video Clip

Top 3 tips for submitting a Medi-Cal appeal

Parent Question

What if my child needs a specialist who is out-of-network?

Parent Question

What is a superbill?

Event Recap

3 Tips for Maximizing Your Medi-Cal Coverage

Article

Out-of-Network Superbills 101

Article

How to Use Medi-Cal as Secondary Insurance

Video Clip

Paying for Disability Services: Appeals When You’re Denied Coverage

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Insurance

Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

Each piece of content has been rigorously researched, edited, and vetted to bring you the latest and most up-to-date information. Learn more about our content and research process here.

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