Between insurance, Regional Center, Medi-Cal, IHSS, and all those lesser-known programs no one tells you about, figuring out how to secure the benefits your kid deserves (and get them paid for!) can feel like a full-time job. And the truth is, many families miss out on incredible resources simply because no one tells us what exists — or how to make the most of it. Not on our watch!
This week, we’re diving into how to get the most out of your health plans and public benefits to fund your child’s services, supports, and those must-have medical supplies. Plus, we’re covering the hot topics we’re buzzing about right now.
Get the benefits your kid deserves
- A parent’s guide to California public benefits. Trying to sort out which California programs can help cover your child’s medical or daily care costs, and how to pay for it all? We’ve got you covered. Read our guide to funding resources in California→
- Turning 18 doesn’t mean losing support. As your teen moves toward adulthood, public benefits programs can help cover health care, therapies, and other essential services. Learn how to navigate this next stage→
- How does private insurance work with public benefits? Our experts answer the most common questions and scenarios around funding options. Troubleshoot common issues with private and public health plans→
- Funding can be tricky. When private insurance says “no,” programs like Regional Center and Medi-Cal can often step in. But what happens if those aren’t options? 4 tips to fund your child’s medical and therapeutic needs→
- Moving out of California? Need more help? State programs for kids with developmental disabilities vary a lot — and it’s easy to get lost in the details and different names. How to find your state’s public benefits→
🎁 50% off annual membership — for a limited time 🎁
Gearing up for some Black Friday savings? We’ve got one you actually need. For a limited time, and for the FIRST TIME EVER, you can get 50% off an annual Undivided membership. Just sign in, subscribe to your annual membership, and use code BLACKFRIDAY. Offer ends Monday, Dec. 1 at midnight PT. Give yourself the gift of expert guidance, tools, and real support all year long. Get 50% off→
Dive deeper: hot topics
- The top 10 things families raising kids with disabilities are missing out on
- Medi-Cal says asset limits are being reinstated. What are they and should I be worried?
- If my child has a low-incidence disability, do they qualify for public benefits in California?
- Who’s funding Medi-Cal and the programs our kids rely on?
New in Undivided Updates → What is significant disproportionality in special education?
A new federal proposal could end the requirement for states to report data — and changes to their methods for collecting data — on racial disparities in special education to the federal government, also called significant disproportionality. We’re breaking down what this proposal means; why it matters; and how it could affect transparency and accountability in your child’s education, including how students are identified for services, placed in programs, or disciplined. Read the update now→
Office hours → Wednesday, December 3, 12:00 p.m. PT
There won’t be a session of members-only office hours on Wed. November 26, so mark your calendar to join us on December 3 at 12:00 p.m. with Undivided Director of Health Plan Advocacy, Leslie Lobel, who will be answering questions about insurance claims and denials. Not an Undivided member yet? Join here to participate.
Undivided Conversations → Saturday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. PT
Tune in to a re-streamed conversation on our Facebook page with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck who’ll walk you through five California public benefits your child may be eligible for, including Regional Center, Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services, California Children’s Services , and Supplemental Security Income — plus other government programs in California that help provide funding and care.
Our public benefit specialist’s top IHSS tip: there’s no such thing as denial by phone. Hear why you should submit application or appeal paperwork in writing→
Have you ever successfully fought for insurance/Medi-Cal or Regional Center to fund something your child needed? We love celebrating parent wins! Share your story with other parents our Facebook group→
Did you know it’s National Family Caregivers Month? Check out this Instagram post→
Help more parents and providers learn about the public benefits programs their families need! Your share could help a family access life-changing benefits. Share Undivided resources on LinkedIn→
Podcast Eps. 9: How Public and Private Health Plans Work Together
🎙️ In this episode… Parents often ask, “How can I afford it all?” From therapies to medical supplies, expenses add up quickly. Lisa Concoff Kronbeck and Leslie Lobel, Undivided’s experts in public benefits and insurance, share tips on maximizing private insurance and Medi-Cal to cover your child’s needs while saving money. Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and anywhere.
