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, UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation officials announced Thursday.

The foundation 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, they said.

About 450 children were assisted with grants last year, one of whom lived in Maine, foundation officials said.

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

Tax-deductible donations can also be made online, they said.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States 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, foundation president.

Foundation funding is provided by contributions from employees of UnitedHealth Group as well as individuals and corporations.