Dear Editor:
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund was established by legislation to provide financial assistance for families whose children have experienced an illness or condition which is not otherwise covered by insurance, State or Federal programs, or other source, such as fundraising.
The Fund is intended to assist in preserving a family’s ability to cope with the responsibilities which accompany a child’s significant health problems.
The child must have been age 18 years or younger at the time expenses were incurred.
Incurred medical expenses – not otherwise covered – must exceed 10 percent of family income, plus 15 percent of any excess income over $100,000.
Expenses have been incurred during any prior, consecutive 12-month period. Applications may include medical and related expenses dating back to January 1988.
Income is measured for the prior, consecutive 12-month period in which expenses were incurred.
The child’s parent or legal guardian have been New Jersey residents for at least three months immediately preceding the date of application. Migrant workers may be eligible; temporary residents are not.
Review of expenses is subject to established caps and program regulations.
The following incurred expenses will be considered and may be eligible for payment/reimbursement if found reasonable. The categories include, but are not limited to: Specialized pediatric ambulatory care, treatment for additions/mental health services; care in acute or specialized hospitals; physician care in all settings; pharmaceuticals; disposable medical supplies/durable medical equipment; transportation for child’s medical care; home health care; experimental medical treatment or pharmaceuticals following special review.
The Fund is collected from an annual surcharge of $1 per employee levied on all employers who are subject to the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law.
Assistance to families generally takes the form of payments to providers or vendors from whom the family has incurred expenses. Families are asked to participate in developing a Fund Distribution Plan. The Commission is responsible for determining the final distribution of the approved grants.
Families may re-apply for assistance annually.
For further information contact the Executive Director, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission, New Jersey Department of Human Services, PO Box 700, Trenton, NJ 08625-0700; 609-292-0600. Family Information Line: 1-800-335-FUND (3863); http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/catill/cicrf1.html
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission