Families who need financial assistance for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment that are not covered or partially covered by their commercial health insurance plans can apply for $5,000 grants from a health insurance company’s nonprofit foundation.

The grants, provided by UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) can help pay for services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Of the 787 grants UHCCF awarded across the United States last year, Midwest states — including Wisconsin — received grants totaling nearly $1 million.

To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, live in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date they applied, as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at uhccf.org.