MINNEAPOLIS -- UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation announced new grants are available to help children who need critical health care treatment, services or equipment not covered or not fully covered by their parents' health benefit plans.

UHCCF provides grants to families to help pay for child health care services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy sessions, prescriptions, and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, orthotics and eyeglasses.

Parents and legal guardians may apply for grants of up to $5,000 for child medical services and equipment by completing an online application at www.uhccf.org.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the U.S. and be covered by a commercial health benefit plan.

"We are taking action to improve access to health care in America and are dedicated to helping more children and families this year and beyond," said Matt Peterson, UHCCF president.