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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

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Who Pays For Your Child's Medical and Therapeutic Needs?

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How Do We Pay For It All?

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UD Live with Leslie Lobel: Insurance Claims, Authorizations, and Denials...Oh, My!

Event Recap

Insurance Questions with Leslie Lobel, Director of Health Plan Advocacy Services

Event Recap

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal Parent Questions with Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck

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What are the chances my insurance appeal will be successful?

Video Clip

Insurance Denials to Appeals

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Medi-Cal

What is "fee-for-service" Medi-Cal coverage?

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Medi-Cal

+1more

What To Do After Insurance Denies Your Claim

Parent Question

Medi-Cal

Do I need a Medi-Cal managed care plan?

Video Clip

Can incontinence supplies be covered by insurance?

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Funding Order: Private Insurance, Medi-Cal, and Regional Center

Video Clip

3 Reasons your Insurance Claim is Denied

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Steps to Take After an Insurance Claim Denial

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Medi-Cal

Using Insurance and Medi-Cal Together

Parent Question

+2more

How do I research in-network options for pediatric therapy services?

Parent Question

Medi-Cal

Do I need to renew the Medi-Cal institutional deeming waiver?

Parent Question

Medi-Cal

How do I apply for the Medi-Cal institutional deeming waiver?

Parent Question

Medi-Cal

Is my child eligible for the Medi-Cal institutional deeming waiver?

Parent Question

Medi-Cal

What is coordination of benefits?

Parent Question

What is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)?

Parent Question

What is open enrollment?

Parent Question

What if there’s a problem with an insurance claim I submitted?

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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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