In addition to the cost of a China adoption, which typically must be gathered in an expedited timeframe, Waiting Child families must also be prepared for the expenses associated with their child’s special need. Below are a few resources to assist you in this aspect of your adoption planning:

Special Needs Grants and Resources...

   China Care

The China Care Foundation provides financial aid to families who qualify by adopting special needs or older children. This is in the form of a grant, a low-interest loan, or a combination of both. The amount awarded is based on family finances and need, although it usually falls in the $1,000 to $3,000 range.
www.chinacare.org

   A Child Waits

A Child Waits Foundation aims to increase the number of children who are adopted by making available low interest loans to eligible families to help with some of the cost of adoption.
www.achildwaits.org

   Gift of Adoption Fund

The Gift of Adoption Fund provides assistance in the form of a one-time grant. www.giftofadoption.org

Please note that CCAI does not endorse and has no affiliation or contract with these organizations. Their information is provided here solely for the convenience of our families.

Insurance…

Before you accept a Waiting Child, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to confirm the kind of coverage they will give to a child with a pre-existing medical condition. “Federal law requires that group health plans that provide coverage for “natural” children must provide the same coverage for adoptive children, to begin when children are placed for adoption. The specific law in question is Section 609(c) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) added additional protections for adopted children. First, HIPAA’s portability requirements (which apply to both large and small group plans) state that insurers may not impose a waiting period or preexisting condition exclusion on a child under 18 who is adopted or placed for adoption and who is enrolled in a health benefit plan within 30 days of the date of adoption or placement for adoption” (Deborah Ghose © 2002). You might also consider checking with your state’s Insurance Commission for state-specific regulations.