The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is offering medical grants to help Delaware families pay the costs of child health care not covered by commercial health insurance plans.

So far, the foundation has awarded 15,000 grants worth more than $40 million to children and families across the U.S. Qualifying Delaware families can apply at www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/.

One recipient named Connor in Georgetown used the grant for speech therapy.

"Connor struggled to communicate with others and understand direction, which affected him mentally, emotionally and academically," said Connor's mother Ashley. "UHCCF's grant has allowed him to continue with his speech/language therapy and continue working toward his goals. It has given him a voice, given him confidence to be himself and to express himself the way every child deserves."

The grants frequently help pay for counseling and therapeutic services, which are often not covered by commercial insurance plans. In addition, the grants are available for equipment purchases such as wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids

Other common medical conditions in need of financial support include cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

"Our mission at UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is to improve children's lives and help families gain access to the care they need through medical grants," said Darrin Johnson, CEO at UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Delaware. "We encourage families in need to apply today and share the news with friends and family that child medical grants are available."

Guidelines, via UHCCF:

"To be eligible for a grant, a child must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Families do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible."