Benefits Program

Who Qualifies? What is a QA?

A Qualified Applicant (shortened to QA) is a person with Spina Bifida (or that person’s parent/guardian) who resides in Massachusetts or a New England state that does not have an SBA affiliated entity.

How much is the benefit?

The benefit for 2010 is up to a maximum of $425 for the calendar year. Because benefits are available to each person with Spina Bifida, a family with more than one person with Spina Bifida would qualify for up to the maximum of $425 per person with Spina Bifida. See the Official Benefits Program Posting for a complete explanation of the distribution policy.

What Kinds of Expenses Qualify?

The benefit shall be used to reimburse for unpaid medical expenses and unpaid therapy (OT, PT) related directly to an individual’s Spina Bifida; adaptive equipment; urological supplies; durable medical equipment; adaptive driving lessons; auto modifications; home accessibility modifications; camp; adaptive sports and recreation activities.

When Should I Apply for Benefits?

Benefits will be reviewed and distributed on quarterly basis. To apply for the 2010 benefit, the complete submission must be made via fax, email, online or postmarked prior to:

• 12:00 midnight on March 31, 2010
• 12 Midnight June 30, 2010
• 12 Midnight September 30, 2010 or
• 12 Midnight December 31 in the year in which the expense was incurred

Emergency situations may be considered, at the discretion of the sbaMass Board of Directors. Please contact Ellen Heffernan-Dugan for additional information.

How do I Apply for Benefits?

The QA must do the following or the application will not be approved:

• 1. Complete an official sbaMass Benefits application (Word format).
  Provide proof of eligible expenses for either Reimbursement or Direct Pay.
• 2. Submit prior to midnight on the dates listed above to be reviewed for that quarter.
• 3. Benefits applications will be returned, with an explanation, if received without proper documentation or if denied. QA may then resubmit a compliant submission.

Download the 2010 OFFICIAL POSTING (Word format). This document includes important information and is a must-read for all applicants.