|
| ABAI Practice Board Presents a Symposium for Parents: How to Get Medical Insurance Funding for Your Child’s Applied Behavior Analysis Program |
| Sunday, May 30, 2010 |
| 3:00 PM–4:20 PM |
| 201 (CC) |
| Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Amy Kenzer (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.) |
| Abstract: Until recently, medical insurance funding for applied behavior analytic services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities was virtually unheard of in most parts of the United States. In the past several years, fifteen states have passed legislation mandating medical insurance companies to cover behavioral intervention services, particularly for children with diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Furthermore, multiple advocacy groups are in the process of pushing through similar legislation across the country. These developments present exciting opportunities but parents of the vast majority of individuals on the autism spectrum have no idea where to begin with medical insurance funding. This symposium, organized by the ABAI Practice Board, is a special presentation, just for parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. This symposium provides of an overview of developments in medical insurance funding, with a brief review of the history of third party funding for behavioral services, a review of the current state of medical insurance legislation in 15 states, and practical advice for parents on how to get insurance funding for their children’s ABA programs, as well as how to maintain it on a day-to-day basis. |
| |
| History of Funding for Applied Behavior Analytic Services: Background Perspective for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum |
| DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Michael F. Dorsey (Endicott College) |
| Abstract: Every parent of a child with autism knows that, only a short time ago, medical insurance funding for applied behavior analytic (ABA) services for children with autism was non-existent. The past 30 years has seen dramatic change in the acceptance of ABA practice in the general community and tremendous strides in research demonstrating its effectiveness, particularly within the autism population. Perhaps more than any other single variable, the tireless advocacy by parents of those on the spectrum has led to massive change in state legislation, with 15 states now requiring insurance companies to fund ABA treatment for children with autism. This presentation will review the history of developments in this area, leading up to the current status, with the purpose of giving parents of children on the spectrum the background information they need to put the current status of legislation in context. |
| |
| What Every Parent of a Child With Autism Needs to Know: Current Status of Medical Insurance Legislation Requiring Coverage for Applied Behavior Analytic Services in 15 States |
| DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.) |
| Abstract: To date, 15 states in the US have passed legislation that mandates medical insurance companies to cover behavioral intervention services for children with autism whom the companies insure. However, the quality of the legislation differs and the amounts of funding differ considerably. This presentation will provide practical information to parents of children on the spectrum by describing the basic components which are common to most or all state laws of this kind, as well as highlighting some of the more important opportunities and limitations of the laws in the various states. |
| |
| Not All Insurance is Created Equal: Distinguishing Between Good and Bad Insurance Plans for Autism |
| AMY KENZER (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Bryce Miler (Center for Autism and Related Disorders) |
| Abstract: State legislation that requires medical insurance companies to cover autism is very encouraging to parents of those on the spectrum but not all insurance plans are the same. Even in states with good legislation, there are loop holes and hoops to jump through. Funding for behavioral services may or may not actually be required, depending on the size of the organization that funds the insurance, whether it is a pre-existing condition, and multiple other variables. This presentation will walk parents of children on the spectrum through the process of analyzing the strengths and limitations of different insurance plans, and in different states, for how they cover ABA treatment for autism. |
| |
| A Practical Tutorial for Parents on How to Get and Maintain Insurance Funding for Your Child’s Applied Behavior Analysis Program |
| BRYCE MILER (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.), Doreen Granpeesheh (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.) |
| Abstract: Parents of children on the autism spectrum have battled tirelessly for decades to win the opportunity to have applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment funded by third parties. In 15 states in the US, this battle has paid off. However, navigating the complicated web of policies and procedures for having your medical insurance cover your child’s treatment is not an easy process. This presentation will provide a practical walk-through on the steps that must be taken regarding obtaining approval for coverage, appealing denials, and other issues that come up in the day-to-day process of dealing with medical insurance funding for ABA services. |
|
| |