If the child needs a pump, the cost to the state of the g-tube with pump is $300/mo.  Now, the cost of the formula is huge.  If a child is on Pediasure, averaging 4-5 cans per day, each can costs $1.50  So per month about $225 for formula.  Now, not all kids can tolerate Pediasure and are on formulas like Peptamin Junior.  At $8.00 per can, that is $40 per day or $1200 per month.  You also have to include the cost of the Registered dietician that the supplier of these things sends out.  It is $80 for an initial assessment and then $30 for each follow up visit.  I think they have to be seen at least once a month.  Then I would also take into the consideration for the feeding therapy that almost always has to happen.  I am not sure what the cost of that is, probably being billed at a much higher rate but is being reimbursed at least $150 per visit.  Most kids go in a minimum of every 2 months.  Unfortunately the Sacred Heart Feeding Clinic is so booked out, all the kids that need services can’t be seen.  Now, I have not included the cost of the surgery to place the G-tube (Several thousand I would imagine) nor the cost of the 5-10 days of hospitalization following the tube placement.  So right now, for the child who turns into a long term tube feeder (anyone over a year of age and I have at least 8 in my case load right now) it is costing the state on average $7, 646 for the cheap formula/care route.  The more expensive ones are costing about $19,340.  And these figures don’t include placing the tube.