The impact of prematurity goes far beyond developmental and medical problems.  Often times, it has an enormous financial impact on families that can last years into the future.  Aside from the medical costs of a NICU hospitalization, other financial burdens include meals, parking and gas while visiting your baby in the NICU, and lost days at work and lost jobs due to prolonged hospital stays.  After the NICU, physician, therapy and pharmacy copays, as well as lost income can continue to be a problem.  I’ve also read that parents of preemies also suffer from a higher than average divorce rate, either adding to, or resulting from financial problems.

I’d love to hear from anyone and everyone about any financial resources you’ve found to help defray medical costs or other expenses for your preemie.  Anything about SSI requirements, medicaid spend downs, or other programs would be appreciated.  All relevant comments will compiled into an article for the site.

Thanks in advance for everyone’s help!

-Kristie