Give the gift of hope to families in need

About Us - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) - Potential Grant Applicants

  • On this Web site there are examples of the types of medical services covered by UHCCF medical grants, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc. What if our request is not one of these examples? Are there certain items that are excluded?
    • The Foundation excludes several items from grant consideration. Please go to the applicant page and click on the application criteria link.
    • Despite the current exclusions referenced above, please keep in mind the Board of Directors pays close attention to the efficacy of the medical treatment being requested.
    • Applications must be medical in nature.
  • Is your Web site application secure?
    • The online grant application is secure and uses 128 bit encryption.
  • I understand medical grants are up to $5,000. Are all grants $5,000?
    • If a grant is awarded, grants can vary considerably.
  • Can you send me a paper application?
    • We do not offer a paper application. Please apply through our Web site.
  • How long does the application process take?
    • The time to fully complete the actual online application will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The entire application review process will vary. If you choose to apply on behalf of your child and meet the stated criteria and have the items in the checklist on hand, please submit an online application and forward to us the requested paperwork within 60 days. If all requested paperwork and details are not received within 60 days, the application will be closed. The entire process may take 1-3 months.
  • Your guidelines require grant applicants to have a "commercial health benefit plan." Does that include federally funded or state funded insurance such as Medicaid, etc?
    • No. Please see the criteria for a helpful explanation of what a commercial health benefit plan is and is not.
  • What are your financial criteria requirements?
    • Please go to the applicant page and click on the application criteria link. You will see a table of eligible income levels.
  • How do I know if my family meets this adjusted gross income (AGI) requirement?
    • You can view your AGI on your last year’s tax return. Here’s where to find it:
      • IRS 1040 - Line 37
      • IRS 1040-A - Line 21
      • IRS 1040-EZ - Line 4
  • Your application requires my IRS 1040 from the previous tax year. Can I send in the IRS 1040 from two years ago?
    • No. We require the 2007 IRS 1040. Starting on April 15, 2009 we will require the 2008 IRS 1040.
  • My child is not on my IRS 1040. Is this ok?
    • No. We require the child be listed on the IRS 1040 of the applicant. If the child is not, we will need your IRS 1040 and the IRS 1040 on which the child appears.
  • Can I stop in the middle of the online application?
    • No. Please plan to finish the entire online application once you start it. The application will not come through to us if you stop or try to go back to previous pages to change data.
  • What are some of the things that will help speed up my online application?
    • Know if you meet the criteria. If you do not clearly meet the criteria, your application will not be considered.
    • Know your out of pocket medical costs before you apply. The online application will require this information.
    • Know what you are applying for up front - changes cannot be made to the application after it is submitted.
    • Know what your commercial health benefits cover, how much it covers (percentage, number of visits, dollar maximum, etc.) or what it doesn't cover. The online application will require this information.
    • If you state in the application that you have zero coverage for a specific medical item, you will be required to send us proof.
    • Make sure the doctor note you send us is from your child's primary care medical doctor (M.D.) and that he/she states the child's medical condition and if he/she supports what you are requesting in the application. Non-M.D. letters are not acccepted.
    • Please mail us all the information requested in one single packet.
    • We must receive your paperwork within 60 days. After 60 days, the application will be closed.
    • Don't wait until the 60 days is nearly over. If we are missing something, we will not have time to work with you on obtaining that information.
  • When does the Board meet to review applications?
    • The Board meeting schedule is located here. Please note that your application will only go before the Board when it is complete and has been screened. Some applications will not be complete before every scheduled Board meeting.
  • Can I submit a grant for past medical bills?
    • No. The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation requires a grant application to be submitted prior to the receipt of services.
  • How will you notify me if the grant application was approved or not approved?
    • You will be mailed a letter with the Board's final decision.
  • If my child is approved for a grant, can I use the grant for any medical costs for my child?
    • The grant will only cover those items as outlined in the grant approval letter.
  • If a grant is approved, will you send us a check for the full amount?
    • No. The Foundation helps families pay for approved services/items bill by bill. This requires our recipients to obtain clear invoices, bills, EOB's, proof of payment, etc.