Insurance
Indiana Health Insurance Mandate for Autism
As of 2001, Indiana is one of the privileged states that require group health insurance to cover autism services. Many states define autism as a "mental health disorder" allowing insurance companies to deny coverage, but Indiana state law has classified it as a "neurological disorder", mandating that it is covered by group insurance under law.
If you have questions about your particular insurance and the mandate, contact you human resources department or benefits manager.
Services that should be covered under this mandate include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Medications for symptoms of autism
The insurance "game" is a tricky and often time confusing aspect of autism treatment. Often time you must make multiple calls before getting the right response. It is best to work with the service provided to tackle insurance issues.
Contact Michele Trivedi, for any assistance and advocacy on any insurance issues at no cost.
mtrivedi@arcind.org
(317) 850-6315
Additionally, you may contact the Indiana Department of Insurance (DOI) at (317) 232-2385 or jlong@doi.state.in.us with questions or concerns. However, we recommend contacting Michele prior.
Medicaid Waivers
The state of Indiana offers Medicaid Waivers for autism. Depending on the situation, these waivers may include:
- Respite care
- Pre-vocational services
- Therapies and Interventions
- Employment Supports
- Adult day services
- Behavior supports
- Support for community participation
- Support for families in the home
- Transportation
- Family training
To apply for Medicaid Waivers for autism, obtain the number for your local Bureau of Developmental Disability Services (BDDS) office by calling 800-545-7763. Often times there is a waiting list so it is best to apply ASAP even if you do not need the financial support at the moment.
http://www.in.gov/ipas/files/introductionto_indiana_medicaid_waiver.pdf
Indiana Children's Special Health Care Service (CSHCS)
CSHCS provides supplemental medical coverage to families of children with autism ages birth through 21 and who meet financial criteria. To be eligible for CSHCS the family income before taxes should be no greater than 250% the federal poverty level.
Services covered include:
- Diagnostic evaluations
- Comprehensive wellness child and sick child care
- Specialty care
- Immunizations
- Prescription drugs
- Routine dental care
- Community referrals and information
To apply contact your local county Division of Family Resources, First Steps Agency, or Riley Hospital.
For more information, contact 1-800-475-1355 or cshcscarecoordinatio@isdh.in.gov
http://in.gov/isdh/19613.htm
Indiana’s Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled (CHOICE)
Choice is state funded home and community based supports. Services provided may include:
- case management
- transportation
- attendant care
- home delivered meals
- homemaker services
- various therapies provided in the home
- respite care
- access to adult day programs in the community
- medical supplies and other services necessary to prevent residential placement into nursing homes
- group homes
- state hospitals and other large group living facilities
If you have interest in CHOICE contact the Aging and In-Home Services of Fort Wayne at info@agingihs.org or 260-745-1200
http://www.agingihs.org/programs/accoa.php
www.in.gov/fssa/da/3508.htm
888-673-0002