Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common types of birth diseases found in children below 10. Congenital heart disease affects approximately 8 in 1,000 newborns.
The same ratio persists in other countries as well. Thankfully, grants for families with congenital heart disease are available to support families with less income.
What Causes Congenital Heart Disease?
Congenital heart disease in children can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic conditions, maternal health issues during pregnancy, and environmental factors. However, here we have listed some reasons for this problem, mostly found in children below 10.
Genetic Disorder
Babies with Down syndrome tend to have this condition in common. Down’s Syndrome affects the baby’s overall physical growth within the womb.
Pre-born Infection in Mother
Some studies also claim that mothers with a specific infection during their pregnancy can cause this type of disease in the newborn.
Unprescribed Medicines
Some mothers do not take proper care during the pregnancy period, which causes such problems in the newborn. They take unwanted medicines for acne, etc.
Bad Habits of Drinking and Smoking
Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a known risk factor that can contribute to the development of congenital heart defects in the newborn.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
If the mother is suffering from uncontrolled type 1 or type 2 diabetes, then this may happen to the newborn.
These are some of the most common reasons behind congenital heart disease in small kids.
Apart from this, sometimes the mother and father’s genes get altered due to an unknown reason that also causes such a condition.
Treatment and Grants
The treatment for this particular heart disease depends on the actual condition of the child.
Some mild heart defects may resolve independently as a child grows, but others may require monitoring and medical management even if they do not necessitate surgery immediately. If a child has a small hole in the heart, it will be cured automatically as he grows.
Serious congenital heart defects typically require intervention, which may include surgery or other forms of modern treatment, depending on the specific condition.
While many forms of congenital heart disease can be effectively managed or treated with advanced medical interventions, not all can be ‘cured’ in the traditional sense; treatment often focuses on improving health and managing symptoms. However, the treatment is very expensive and a common family can’t afford it.
Some people have complex heart problems throughout their life. It is just because of the complexity of heart diseases.
In such conditions, a regular clinical checkup is required. After examining the child’s condition, doctors may recommend specific surgery to treat the patient.
Grants for families with congenital heart disease are available for families who can’t afford the expensive treatments for this disease. A special medical team is needed to treat the patient, so the treatment cost is much higher than that of an ordinary surgery. Such grants provide financial aid to needy families who can save their loved ones with successful surgery or treatment.
The Procedure
After collecting all the information through lab tests and pre-checkups by an expert, if your child has congenital heart disease, then the special medical team would pass the information to the main department.
The procedure of treating a child with congenital heart disease can differ from country to country.
You first need to determine whether your child has this disease. After that, your healthcare provider will do the rest for you.
Of course, you need to fill in the registration form, or we can say you need to fill out an application for the grant to treat your child.
Your family physician will help you throughout the treatment period, as he already knows about such grants for low-income families.
Anyone, regardless of technical expertise, can search for organizations that provide grants for families dealing with congenital heart disease.
You can submit your application online by uploading the required information about your child and your family, along with proof of income and sources of income.
Once your application gets approval from the authority, you will be granted discounts or full treatment for free.
If you do not have enough information, contact your family physician or colleagues who know about such organizations.
Congenital Heart Disease Grants For Families
Fortunately, you can find different grants here in the USA for congenital heart disease for families, which are mentioned below:
1. Children’s Heart Foundation
This is an organization that provides grants to families to cover their medical and travel expenses related to congenital heart disease.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income or SSI can be a lifesaver for families facing severe congenital heart issues with their kids. The Social Security Administration administers this program so that families who don’t have enough resources for treatment can get help.
3. The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation
Imagine your insurance just sent you a notice saying they won’t cover the full cost of your child’s crucial medical treatment. Frustrating, right? That’s where the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation comes in.
They offer grants to cover those medical expenses that your insurance might not fully address. It’s like a financial safety net when you need one.
4. Mended Little Hearts
While not a grant in the traditional sense, Mended Little Hearts provides something just as valuable—emotional and practical support. Their “Bravery Bag” care kits for hospital families include essential items that you didn’t know you’d need but will be thankful to have.
5. Medicaid
If you’re struggling to make ends meet and your child needs medical attention for congenital heart disease, Medicaid is there for you. This state and federally-funded program offers health coverage to low-income families, including those whose children need specialized heart care.
6. State Grants
Many states have special programs that offer financial help to children with special needs, which include heart conditions. A simple visit to your state’s Department of Health website could open doors to resources you didn’t know were available. It’s like finding a hidden treasure right under your nose.
7. Crowdfunding
Sites like GoFundMe offer a platform to raise funds for medical expenses. It’s not a grant, but community support can add up fast. Though times may be tough, these financial options show you’re not alone in this journey.
Conclusion:
Many public and private organizations have come forward to help those in need of financial assistance. Congenital heart disease can be diagnosed easily with advanced treatment and modern techniques.
Since the treatment’s cost is high, multiple organizations offer special grants to cure the child.
Before proceeding with any other treatment, collect useful information about this special disease and its causes. Search for a suitable grant to provide extra financial support for the treatment.
See Also
Government grants for heart patients
Grants for Weight Loss Surgery Qualification Checklist
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