How many families need help in Idaho?

There are over 8,000 children in Idaho with special healthcare needs. Over 2,500 of those patients are actively supported by St Luke’s Care Coordination services.

What are the biggest issues families are facing?

Families with a medically complex child face a broad range of issues beyond medical needs including but not limited to: lack of transportation, food insecurity, difficult access / lack of access to care, lack of basic necessities, significant financial strain.

How does intervention benefit patient/ family outcomes?

When parents/ guardians are given support that allows them to maintain a healthy emotional/ mental state, both patients and parents see better outcomes.

What’s the importance of keeping families together during long hospital stays.

Research shows that pediatric patients are negatively impacted if they are not physically around parents/ guardians during extended hospital stays. By helping families stay together, we can promote better outcomes for patients and families.

Will insurance cover the cost of a medevac event?

During a medevac event, only one non-medical individual is allowed to travel with the patient. Sometimes, no additional passengers are allowed leaving the family to navigate getting to the next hospital. Insurance policies often cover the cost of the patient and family member during a medevac event. If you have Medicaid, it will only cover the cost of travel for the patient and one family member. 

Average cost for basic economy flight:

+ BOI to PDX: $110/ person Round Trip

+ BOI to SLC: $190/ person Round Trip

+ BOI to SEA: $200/ person Round Trip

Does insurance cover the cost of food during an in-patient stay?

Though there are sometimes family kitchens with free food at the hospital, only meals for the patient are paid for by insurance. All additional food is an out of pocket expense for families.

Where do families stay when a child is in-patient?

In a hospital room there is very limited space, especially if a patient is admitted to the PICU or NICU. The Ronald McDonald House of Idaho has two locations; one in Boise and one in Idaho Falls. Families in other parts of Idaho have to find and pay for their own lodging which can be stressful and costly.