Insurance Assistance in Purchasing a Hot Tub

[Julie]

I believe someone discussed this on the old board, but I not positive. Has anyone ever convinced their insurance company to pay for or help pay for a hot tub to be used for aquatherapy? We currently have EI for PT and OT, but there is no therapy pool for use within EI. If we want to go to a United Cerebal Palsy Association center, then we would have to go through our health insurance and it might interfere with our EI services. Plus we would then be limited to 45 visits per year and we would have to drive quite a distance to get to the pool. (I know many people travel a long way to provide therapy for their children but it is hard when we have a 3 yr. old in preschool, my husband works a rotating schedule, and I work 3-4 days per week.) It seems like it would be cheaper for the insurance company to help us provide the therapy at home, but I know they don't think like that. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[francine]

I don't know about the insurance bit but you can possibly get a tax deduction for a portion of it if you have a prescription for it from a doctor. (I'm not sure how much of a tax deduction though)

You also cannot keep the temperature of the water at 'normal' hot tub range. Therapy pool temps range from 91-94 - somewhere in that area. Anything over 94 is really TOO hot for a little one - and you have to hydrate constantly also (drink water).

Good luck with getting this for yourselves. Hope it works out for you,
francine