Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This is a descriptive analysis of a retrospective cohort of families that examines the health harming legal issues of 651 patients with 1071 parent reported neurodevelopmental disabilities addressed from January 1, 2006 - June 30, 2018. 47% of children served experienced developmental delays, 29% had ADHD, 23% had Autism, and 14% were premature at birth. Of these children, 63% were male and 34% were ages 5-10 years. Families referred to Health Law Partnership (HeLP) received a legal check-up to assess legal needs and financial eligibility. Legal cases were assigned to a team of lawyers and law students through Atlanta Legal Aid and Georgia State University College of Law and physicians and medical students from Emory University and Morehouse Schools of Medicine. Among 457 cases represented the most common were SSI (189; 21%) education (225; 25.1%), and family law (166; 18.5%). Benefits obtained through legal intervention exceeded $4.9 million. Medicaid, SCHIP and other health-related assistance resolved cases resulted in an average benefit value of $18,925/case, SSI and education cases had an average value of $9,585 and $5,336 respectively. HeLP services resulted in improved access to health care, education resources, and in financial cost savings to families. HeLP provided cost avoidance to the health care system by securing entitlement benefits (Medicaid, SCHIP, SSI) for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Interdisciplinary practice among health care and legal providers can result in resources to address legal and social determinants of health concerns that exacerbate the complex needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.