Child's New Diagnosis - How will I pay for it?

I was reminded today of this question as I was being told that my fourth child has asthma for sure and that she has to be medicated, and of the pit you feel in your stomach or I should say your wallet. The following are some suggestions as to how you may be able to stomach the costs that follow a chronic health problem in your child. The pain of watching your child is enough, you feel guilty about worrying about the money, but that doesn't make the costs go away:

1. Go to your state's Department of Health website and see if they offer some form of "Children's Special Health Care" insurance, call the number provided and they will be able to tell you if your child's condition is covered. Most state's have this for chronic conditions and will pay balances left after your insurance for expenses related to your child's specific condition.

2. Now that you know you will have extra health care expenses, it is a good idea to set aside money each year for your bills. Find out if your employer offers a program where they will hold it for you until you need it, then you know you will not spend it.

3. Plan on using your tax return to pay off medical bills, don't "spend" it before you get it back on other things

4. If your child is hospitalized, and if the hospital will allow you, bring your child's medication with you and let them know you will be administrating, they may not admit it, but I have been charged "an arm and a leg for my kid's meds" by the hospital. Also, be aware you will receive a bill for every doctor that sees your child.

5. Stay on top of what you have paid and when, billing departments make mistakes too.

6. Make sure you know your rights before siging up to pay off bills with the hospital provided loan which is usually accompanied by a high interest rate. Making small regular payments may be a better option whether they say they agree or not.

I welcome any other advice from veteran parents that could help enhance this topic and bring encouragement in this scary time.