EPSDT Offers a Full Range of Services for Virginia Residents with Autism

The Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program is a comprehensive and preventive healthcare program for Virginia residents under the age of 21 who receive Medicaid. In addition to routine health screenings, the program provides coverage for ABA therapy, assistive technology, therapies (including speech, occupational, behavioral and physical), personal care, private duty nursing, hearing aids, medical formula and medical nutritional supplements, and one-to-one aides.

For more information, visit the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) or call (804) 786-6134. Click on the link to view the EPSDT Fact Sheet.

South Dakota Statewide Family Support Program Helps Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities

The South Dakota Department of Human Services Statewide Family Support Program provides South Dakota families of children who have developmental disabilities with services and supports to help them meet their unique and varied needs. The Statewide Family Support Program assigns a family support coordinator to help each family identify and access services to meet their needs.

The program also provides a flexible pool of funding to assist families with extraordinary expenses, including but not limited to diapers, medications, special foods, recreational opportunities, special clothing, adaptive equipment, home modifications, vehicle modifications, respite care, family counseling, parent/sibling education and medical travel expenses. Clink on the link to obtain an application.

Massachusetts Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Assists Families of Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs

The Massachusetts Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) reimburses Massachusetts families the cost of medical expenses that are not fully covered by insurance or other resources that exceed 10% of the family’s income (10% of the first $100,000 plus 15% of the additional income for families whose income exceeds $100,000).

CICRF reimburses families for a wide variety of eligible expenses ranging from payments to healthcare providers to travel expenses for out of state treatment. Click on the link to apply for assistance.

New Jersey Department of Human Services Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Helps with Medical Expenses

The New Jersey Department of Human Services Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund will assist New Jersey families with the cost of medical expenses that are not fully covered by insurance or other resources that exceed 10% of the family’s income (10% of the first $100,000 plus 15% of the additional income for families whose income exceeds $100,000).

The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund helps families with a wide variety of medical expenses ranging from experimental medical treatment to medically related home modifications. To apply for assistance, click here or call 1-800-335-FUND.

Pennsylvania Autism Mini -Grant Program

The Bureau of Autism Services of the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare offers mini-grants of $500. The grants can be used to pay for a variety of services and supports for Pennsylvania families affected by autism. Click here for more information about the min-grants.

Funding Autism Treatment with Medicare

Medicare is a national health insurance program managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare coverage is available to people under age 65 who have disabilities. Disabled people who receive SSDI for 24 months are automatically enrolled in Medicare.

Medicare has four parts. Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps pay for hospital care, care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care and hospice care. Part B (Medical Insurance)helps pay for doctor visits and other medical services and supplies not covered by hospital insurance. Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) is available to people who have coverage under Medicare Part A and Part B in some areas. Part C coverage is provided by private insurance companies that have been approved by Medicare. Part D (Prescription Insurance) helps pay for prescription medications.

States have program that assist Medicare recipients who have low incomes and limited resources with the cost of Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and the cost of prescription drugs. To learn more about how to obtain assistance with these costs through Medicare Savings Programs, a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAPs), check out Medicare & You 2008 or call 1-800-MEDICARE. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Funding Autism Treatment with Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal government program that provides financial assistance to disabled children and adults who meet eligibility requirements. In order to qualify for disability benefits under SSI, individuals must meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability. They must also have income and assets which fall within the guidelines set by the Social Security Administration. The current maximum SSI benefit for an eligible individual is $637 monthly. In addition, many states supplement SSI payments through State Assistance Programs for SSI Recipients.

Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders may qualify for SSI benefits. When determining eligibility for SSI, the Social Security Administrations considers the nature and severity of a disability, family size, the number of family members who receive SSI, household income, whether household income is earned or unearned and assets. Check out the Supplemental Security Income Home Page to learn more about the application process.

Here are some tips for applying for SSI:
1. Document how your child’s disability affects his or her ability to participate in the activities of daily life.
2. Have copies of your child’s medical records, evaluations, treatment plans, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Education Program (IEP) and therapy reports readily available.
3. Compile the names and contact information for your child’s pediatrician, neurologist, therapists, teachers, social workers and case managers.
4. Keep copies of paycheck stubs, W-2s, income tax returns, utility bills, medical bills, therapy bills, insurance statements, rental contracts, mortgage statements, bank statements and other financial records.

You may initiate the application process for SSI online. Click on the link to apply for SSI on behalf of a child. Click on the link to apply for SSI on behalf of an adult.

If you have questions about applying for SSI, you may call the Social Security Administration’s toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The toll-free TTY number is 1-800-325-0778. You may also visit your local Social Security Administration office for assistance.

Tips for visiting a Social Security Administration Office:
1. Arrive early and prepare for a wait.
2. Make sure you take copies of all necessary documents with you when you visit a Social Security Administration office.
3. Take something to read, a crossword puzzle, a small craft project or some paperwork you need to complete with you to help you pass the time.
4. If you take your child with you, bring along a few favorite toys and/or books.
Bring snacks for your child. Be prepared to step outside the office when your child wants to eat a snack because many Social Security Administration offices do not allow eating or drinking.