Given high treatment costs, patients and families need to get the best insurance available, become familiar with all the terms and conditions, and work closely with the provider to maximize the benefits. At the Cystic Fibrosis Center of North Shore-Long Island Jewish and Cohen Children's Medical Center we accept most insurance policies, and will try to affiliate with other plans - where possible - to meet your needs. The CF Social Worker can direct you to resources that can help you navigate through the insurance maze as well as direct you to CFPAP (Patient Assistance Programs). For bills incurred during hospitalization that were not covered by insurance, contact the North Shore-LIJ Financial Assistance Program at 1-800-995-5727. If you have any questions regarding billing, contact the billing office at 718-470-8730.

North Shore-LIJ and Cohen Children's Medical Center accept most forms of insurance. Please contact our billing office at 718-470-8730 to find out if we participate under your insurance policy. If you are told that we are not participating providers, please contact the Cystic Fibrosis Center directly (adults: 516-465-5400; pediatrics: 516-622-5280). We will provide additional advice and assistance to help you receive the treatment you need.

Important Information on Health Care Reform

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the following changes will apply to all insurance plans which begin on or renew after September 23, 2010:

• No pre-existing condition exclusions for children;
• No withdrawal of coverage based on an unintentional mistake on an application;
• No lifetime limits on health coverage;
• Restrictions on insurer use of annual limits of coverage (must be at least $750,000), phasing in to no limits by 2014;
• Right to see an OB-GYN without a referral;
• Right to use emergency rooms without prior approval.

For more detailed information, go to https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/aca-new-patients-bill-of-rights.html.

Patient Assistance Resource Library

To help you navigate the complex world of health insurance and healthcare coverage, the CFF Patient Assistance Resource Library (https://www.cff.org/Assistance-Services/Insurance/Your-Insurance-Plan/Find-Resources-CF-Foundation-Compass/) offers a range of useful information, including:

• Sample letters of medical necessity and prior authorization;
• How-to guides to navigating common insurance obstacles;
• Templates for insurance appeals, exceptions and reconsiderations;
• CF care guidelines;
• Evidence-based medical journal articles; and
• White papers for medical professionals.

Click here for an easy-to-understand guide about health insurance coverage, Social Security benefits, and the Affordable Care Act for people with CF.