Any resources out there to help with the costs of AFO's?

DS needs custom AFO's and my insurance only picks up a potion of it. Anyone know of any resources or places where we can get help paying for them?
TIA!

Re: Any resources out there to help with the costs of AFO's?

How old is your ds? Early intervention will pay until age 3. Also you can negotiate with the orthotist. I get mine through insurance cause it's easier and quicker than EI. But I had an insurance change and for his latest pair they called me and told me it was a $900 copay. I basically laughed in their face and told them no way was I paying that when I could get these made for free through EI. Wouldn't you know they figured something out and I didn't have to pay the copay :)

If your ds is over age three then I don't know :(

Eta - also I am assuming you are in NYS. I don't know if all birth-3 state programs pay.

Message edited 7/27/2014 8:37:55 AM.

Any resources out there to help with the costs of AFO's?

I'm going through EI right now to get them covered. I had to fill out two forms--- downside is that it can take a few months for it to go through.

Re: Any resources out there to help with the costs of AFO's?

I was just told by EI that since my insurance company will pay a certain %, they won't cover it at all.

My co pay is about $700.

EI told me that if the insurance company refused to pay, they would be covered. What BS!!

Re: Any resources out there to help with the costs of AFO's?

I am surprised to hear that. My coordinator told me I could so it through EI but insurance was easier. I know someone who definitely has insurance but got hers through ei. This is what I really hate about EI - the inconsistency and dodgy-ness. I feel like ppl are always told different things and you have to investigate yourself to find out what you are entitled to. I'm sorry. Can you talk to anyone else at EI? Can you negotiate with the orthotics company ? I told mine just to scrap the order and that's when they were ready to negotiate.

A $700 copay for a necessary device for a child with a developmental disability is awful and makes me angry. Good luck to you!

Any resources out there to help with the costs of AFO's?

We are now in CPSE but have gotten 3 pairs thru EI when we were still in it.