In an effort to stem widespread confusion about changes in health care coverage, Phoenix Children’s Hospital has introduced Family Financial Services, a team within the Hospital dedicated to helping parents understand their health care coverage options. The Hospital created the team in response to rapid changes in insurance coverage that are often overlooked or misunderstood by parents.
Family Financial Services coordinates with parents and the Hospital care team to ensure that families have a full understanding of what services are covered under their health care plan, in addition to providing guidance on options for obtaining coverage.
“Phoenix Children’s Hospital has been an advocate for children’s health for more than three decades,” said Laura Handy-Oldham, Director, Patient Access at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “Family Financial Services is the next step in ensuring Arizona children have access to the care they need.”
Each member of the Family Financial Services team is a certified application counselor for the health care Marketplace. They are able to aid families in the complicated process of researching health care coverage on the Marketplace and can demystify coverage, whether it comes from the Marketplace, an employer, or the government.
“Coverage networks are getting smaller – especially for children,” said Handy-Oldham. “Phoenix Children’s was seeing a growing number of families seeking care who weren’t aware that their coverage no longer included the Hospital. We wanted to eliminate any surprises so parents know what their insurance covers and the options we provide to help parents with financial concerns.”
With nearly a dozen team members and a collective 85 years of experience in health care, Family Financial Services is uniquely poised to demystify health care coverage and help Valley parents understand what they’re purchasing and how to make the best health care decisions for their family. This is increasingly important as “narrow network” products become more common.
Parents of children with health care needs who are interested in learning more can contact Phoenix Children’s Hospital at (602) 933-2000 or familyfinancialservices@phoenixchildrens.com.
