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The Bee Healthy Blog
ADHD and American Families
Not Just a Childhood Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can affect a child’s education, home life, relationships, social development, and more. As a parent, it can be difficult raising a child with ADHD, but there are resources and support systems that can help.
The Cost of ADHD
It costs five times more to raise a child who has ADHD than one who doesn’t—children living below the poverty level are two times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis. With almost 13 million children in the United States living in poverty, this puts a great number of American children at risk.
The time commitment is another high price that families of ADHD pay. The time spent on tutoring, behavior aids, counseling, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can feel all-consuming. There are more positive things that take time as well, such as, athletics, hobbies, support groups, and more. Because we know more about ADHD than ever before, there is more support and opportunity for families and adults confronting this condition.
Help for ADHD-affected Families
Many parents who have a child with ADHD admit that medication has played a major role in the success of their child. For these families, the cost of prescriptions and ongoing medical care can be burdensome. As children get older and take responsibility for their own treatment, the stress of cost and ongoing treatment may become overwhelming for them, too. Luckily, there is help.
- Insurance – Open enrollment at Healthcare.gov runs from November 1 through December 15. During this time, you can shop for the best insurance plan to benefit yourself or your family. If you or your child is soon to turn 18 outside of this open enrollment period, enrollment is still possible! Turning 18 is considered a life change that allows for new enrollment. It may also help that young adults under the age of 26 can still remain on their family’s insurance. Look for a plan that includes prescription drug coverage, occupational therapy, and counseling for your family member with ADHD.
- School Support – Even if your current insurance plan and financial situation don’t allow for counseling for the person with ADHD, you can often find support through the school system. If your child is enrolled in public school, ask for a routine visit with the school counselor. This may also be a break from the repeated “negative attention” your child may experience at school.
- Drug Discounts – Despite prescription coverage and generic options, many families still struggle to purchase necessary medications for family members with ADHD. One of the best ways to get your necessary medication for less is with a BuzzRx Prescription Discount Card. BuzzRx works directly with pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers to offer deep discounts on name brand and generic prescription drugs. The BuzzRx Prescription Discount Card is not insurance, it is free to use, accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies, and can save up to 80% on prescriptions.
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