Financial Assistance for Cerebral Palsy

Common Expenses Associated with Cerebral Palsy

One study focusing on the economic burden of cerebral palsy in the U.S. found that the average lifetime healthcare cost per patient was $921,000 for individuals living with cerebral palsy.

Sources include ASHA, CDC, NIH 2022 report, and NIH 2011 report.

The cost of cerebral palsy can go beyond the physical and emotional toll it takes on patients and their families when out-of-pocket costs become overwhelming. Fortunately, cerebral palsy financial assistance is available.

Common Out-of-Pocket Costs for Cerebral Palsy

These are some of the most common costs cerebral palsy families face—and keep in mind insurance typically will not cover 100% of the costs associated with the diagnosis:

• Medications
• Travel expenses for rehabilitation and treatment
• Relocation or moving expenses related to the diagnosis (such as in the case of moving to be closer to a rehabilitation center or hospital for treatment)
• Temporary housing due to relocation
• Mileage, tolls, and parking fees for visits to rehabilitation center or hospital
• Specialized wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment
• Specially equipped vans
• Home modification related to the diagnosis
• Home health care services
• Activity-based therapy and vocational rehabilitation
• Assistive technology
• Caregiving

Does Insurance Cover Cerebral Palsy Treatment?

The extent of coverage for your cerebral palsy treatment may differ based on your insurance plan and provider. It’s important to talk with your care provider to determine the amount of financial assistance needed.

Does Medicare Pay for Cerebral Palsy Treatment?

Fortunately, Medicare pays for most cerebral palsy treatments. Medicare enrollees with cerebral palsy will receive the same services, at the same costs, as other enrollees. 

Services do not have to be related to the disability, and services cannot be denied because of the disability. While Medicare covers many costs, there are many out-of-pocket expenses that are incurred, no matter your insurance coverage or insurance premium.

Cerebral Palsy with No Insurance

Managing cerebral palsy with health insurance is difficult enough. Dealing with the financial responsibilities can be very costly. According to an estimate from the Center of Disease Control and adjusted for inflation, a parent or guardian of a child with cerebral palsy will pay a lifetime cost of $1.6 million for care. 

In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that lifetime costs of caring for an individual with cerebral palsy are approximately $1 million, in addition to normal living costs. When adjusted for inflation, this amount equates to over $1.6 million as of 2023.

Finding Cerebral Palsy Financial Assistance

Addressing a cerebral palsy diagnosis is filled with a long list of questions that differ with every situation. All of these unknowns can add to the stress of living with cerebral palsy. Add additional procedures, rehabilitation, therapy, as well as long-term care, and the bills can add up quickly.

Fortunately, we’re here to help.

As your community-led fundraising source, you’ll find everything you need to receive financial support for cerebral palsy treatments. Together, we can raise funds to assist with your unmet medical expenses and related costs.

How Fundraising for Cerebral Palsy Works

The fundraising process with our nonprofit starts with a few simple steps:

1. Complete a short campaign request at helphopelive.org/get-started/apply
2. We will contact you if community-led fundraising is a possible option
3. You’ll be paired with a Client Services Coordinator
4. Your Coordinator will provide you with one-on-one fundraising help, including personalized materials and guidance on rallying your community, sharing your story on social media, reaching out to the press, planning in-person or virtual fundraising events, and much more