Nancy R. and her family have become very familiar with United Way Impact 100 partner Children’s Mercy Hospital. Nancy’s teenage daughter has kidney disease, requiring dialysis at the hospital three times a week.
The family’s insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, inquired about how they were managing the treatments, and if they needed any financial assistance with household bills, food or other support.
“I said that yes, we’re struggling a little bit and asked if they could help with that,” Nancy shared.
The family was referred to a social worker at Children’s Mercy, who then connected them to United Way and the critical medical needs program.
“At the time, we were really behind on our Evergy, the electricity, and our water bill,” said Nancy. “We owed $300-400.”
Not knowing whether assistance would be available was a constant stressor, especially as Nancy’s husband reduced his hours at work to help get their daughter to the dialysis appointments.
“It’s so frustrating. Like everything is behind. I have to stop working because my daughter is sick and then only my husband is working,” Nancy said. “I just didn’t know what we were going to do.”
Thanks to United Way’s Critical Medical Needs program, a partnership with utility providers Evergy and Spire, Nancy’s past due electric bills were paid in full, and she was provided referrals to help address her overdue water bill.
Nancy said, “Oh, my. It means a lot. I feel relieved. And I’m so grateful that you guys got to help us out. We appreciate you guys.”
In the past year, the Critical Medical Needs program has provided more than $557,000 in assistance to 550 households. To learn more visit here.