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.

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

Can’t families eat for free at the hospital?

Though there are sometimes family kitchens with free food, only food for the patient is paid for under insurance. All additional food is out of pocket.